Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
MEAP
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8680
Laboratory Handling
Laboratory
NPS and throat swabs specimens should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, and on weekends between 12:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Outside these hours, store specimens at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack in ALSS.
Sample Stability
NPS and throat swab specimens are stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days.
Synonyms
Measles PCR
Measles Virus PCR
Measles RNA PCR
Turnaround Time
24 hours
Tests performed as required.
Specimen Type
- Nasal Swab
- Nasopharyngeal Swab
- Throat Swab
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
- Swab - Viral PCR
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
3
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.6
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Swab - Viral PCR
Acceptable
- Swab - Viral PCR
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
3
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.6
Additional Specimen Information
Blood or urine accepted only if throat swab is unobtainable, discuss with clinical virologist before sending.
For any other sample type, please contact the Clinical Virologist through AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to requesting testing.
Last updated: 30/08/2026