Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) - IgG

Detection of IgG antibodies to the measles virus by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) including measurement of IgG titres in paired specimens.

• Measles
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)

Serum or plasma (100 µL minimum) collected as soon as possible after rash onset. For seroconversion, or determination of a change in IgG titre, submit acute and convalescent sera. Acute serum should be collected immediately upon disease onset (within the first 7 days) and convalescent serum should be collected 10 to 21 days later.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes (SST) or EDTA tubes.

Follow standard laboratory techniques to prepare serum or plasma. Store at 4°C and ship at room temperature or on wet ice for arrival at the NML within 3 days of collection. Otherwise, freeze (-20°C or below) and ship frozen on dry ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

1. Patient with measles IgM positive serology result, recent measles vaccination, or recent contact with laboratory confirmed case of measles.
2. For seroconversion: suspected measles case without an RT-PCR result and a negative or unreliable IgM result.

Completed Measles, Mumps, and Rubella requisition form. Include date of rash onset, date of fever onset, date of last measles vaccination (if recent), travel history and/or MARS identifier (from the Measles and Rubella Surveillance application on CNPHI) or case number if available.

Kits are ordered on an as needed basis so please contact the lab in advance of sending samples for testing. The NML is a WHO/PAHO accredited Measles and Rubella Regional Reference Laboratory. In order to assist in case classification, the NML might also perform measles IgM or measles IgG avidity ELISA.

Testing is done using an evaluated commercial ELISA assay.  A four-fold rise in IgG titre or seroconversion (i.e. a negative and a positive result in acute and convalescent sera, respectively) is indicative of infection.

21 calendar days. Turnaround time can be as short as 3 calendar days, with proper notification.

1. Measles and Rubella Elimination Working Group, Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada. Guidelines for the prevention and control of measles outbreaks in Canada. CCDR. 2013; 39:ACS-3. Available at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/13vol39/acs-dcc-3/index-eng.php#appa.
2. World Health Organization. Manual for the laboratory diagnosis of measles and rubella virus infection. Third Edition 2018. Available at  https://www.technet-21.org/en/topics/laboratory-measles-rubella-manual

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Measles virus

For health professionals: Measles

National case definition: Measles

Measles: Symptoms and treatment

Measles and Rubella Weekly Monitoring Reports