On suspect mumps cases, please order both virus isolation and serologic testing to confirm mumps infection :

1. Acute serum : IgM and IgG for mumps within 5 days of symptom onset.
2. Convalescent serum : If initial IgM is indeterminate or negative and mumps is considered likely, repeat IgM and IgG for mumps approximately 2 weeks after symptom onset.

Both acute and convalescent sera are recommended for the diagnosis of mumps.

3. On the lab requisition, mark the symptoms, date of parotitis onset, exposure history and vaccination history. Indicate that this is for the diagnosis of mumps.

2.1 Buccal swab - for all suspect mumps cases (may be collected up to 9 days from date of symptom onset : 

1. Use the same viral kits used for herpes or chlamydia cultures. If provided by the Public Health Laboratory, these swabs contain pink medium and a blue top.
2. Massage the parotid gland area (the space between the cheek and teeth just below the ear) for about 30 seconds prior to collection of the buccal secretions. The parotid duct (Stensen’s duct) drains in this space near the upper rear molars. Put the swab into that space.
3. Once the specimen has been collected, the swab is inserted into the pink medium and broken at the scored line.
4. d) Ensure that the lab requisition indicates that this is a buccal swab and that you are requesting mumps testing. Mark the symptoms, dates of onset of parotitis, exposure history, and vaccination history on the requisition.
5. e) Store specimens in the refrigerator until sent to the laboratory. Specimens must be stored and shipped cold.

2.2 Throat swab (can be taken in addition to blood and a buccal swab) : 

1. Using the same viral kits used for herpes or chlamydia cultures, take a throat swab. If provided by the Public Health Laboratory, these swabs contain pink medium and a blue top.
2. Once the specimen has been collected, the swab is inserted into the pink medium and broken at the scored line.
3. Ensure that the lab requisition indicates this is a throat swab and that you are requesting mumps testing. Mark the symptoms, dates of onset of parotitis, exposure history and vaccination history on the requisition.
4. Store specimens in the refrigerator until sent to the laboratory. Specimens must be stored and shipped cold.

2.3 Urine (can be collected up to 9 days following symptom onset) : 

1. Collect clean catch urine and store in a screw top sterile container.
2. Pour approximately 20 mls of urine into a viral culture tube used for viral respiratory or stool culture. These tubes contain pink medium. Seal and label.
3. Ensure that the lab requisition indicates that this is a urine specimen and that you are requesting mumps testing. Mark the symptoms, dates of onset of orchitis and/or parotitis, exposure history and vaccination history on the requisition.
4. Store specimens in the refrigerator until sent to the laboratory.Specimens must be stored and shipped cold.

A few days for blood test results.

A few days for RT-PCR results.

Allow 10 days for a preliminary report for mumps isolation from swabs or urine.

Note: Please ensure that your local public health unit is aware of all individuals who are being tested for mumps.

References

1. Waner JL, Swierkosz EM. Mumps and parainfluenza viruses. In Murray PR, Editor. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 8th Edition. ASM Press, Washington, D.C.; 2003.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Accessed August 28, 2006.

May 2007

• Diseases : Mumps