Mumps laboratory testing
For patients with symptoms consistent with mumps send a buccal swab for PCR and serum for IgM serologic testing.
Mumps specimen collectionSerology
- Collect 7-10ml of blood in a red-top or serum-separator tube for IgM test upon suspicion of mumps.
- Store specimens at 4°C and ship on wet ice packs.
Buccal swab
- Massage the parotid area for 30 seconds prior to swabbing the area around Stensen’s duct gland.
- Synthetic swabs are preferred over cotton swabs.
