Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
MEIS
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8101
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Serum
Transport
Ambient (8 - 24 °C) within 48 hours; Chilled (4 - 8 °C) if longer than 48 hours
Registration
MEIS
Sample Stability
Up to 48 hours: 8 - 24 °C; Up to 14 days: 4 - 8 °C; Up to 6 months: -30 °C; Indefinite at - 80 °C
Associated Tests
Synonyms
Rubeola Antibodies
Immune status (MMR)
Turnaround Time
1 week
IgG testing is performed 2 - 3 times a week. IgM testing is performed once a week (unless there is a disease outbreak)
Specimen Type
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
- Plain(Microtainer)
- SST(Microtainer)
- Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
3.5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
- Plain(Microtainer)
- SST(Microtainer)
- Plain (Red Top)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Pre-testing Requirements
Request form must state which investigation is required, immune status (IgG) or query infection ( IgG & IgM). Full clinical details, including date of onset, will ensure the correct tests are performed.
Paired sera should be obtained wherever possible:
(a) acute sample - as early as possible in the illness, and
(b) convalescent sample 2 - 3 weeks after onset.
Additional Specimen Information
Paediatric Specimen: 2 mL clotted blood or 1 mL serum
Last updated: 13/05/2026