Investigation of Optimal Specimen Type and Sampling Time for Detection of Measles Virus RNA during a Measles Epidemic

Abstract
At various times postonset of rash, 74 patients positive for measles virus-specific immunoglobulin M provided samples for detection of measles virus RNA by a reverse transcriptase PCR. Of lymphocytes, urine, throat swab, and serum specimens, throat swab specimens were optimal for detection of measles virus RNA during the first 2 weeks after the rash.