Information on Oral Fluid testing for measles, mumps and rubella

Oral fluid testing on all notified cases of measles, mumps and rubella was introduced in 1995. This allows the laboratory confirmation of the initial clinical diagnosis. Samples are tested for the presence of IgM, IgG and viral RNA.

HPA Measles guidelines can be found here.

Below are letters and instructions for taking the oral fluid swab:

• MMR GP letter (Word Document, 52 KB)
• MMR Parent letter (Word Document, 66 KB)
• How to Take an Oral Fluid Swab (PDF, 1.6 MB)
• Request form for saliva confirmation of Measles, Mumps & Rubella (Word Document, 2.5 MB)
• Instruction sheet for Health Protection Staff (Word Document, 37 KB)

If you are a patient or parent/guardian of a patient and have any queries, please contact your local Health Protection team (scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your post code). 

Last reviewed: 9 June 2010