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Measles (Rubeola) IgM Acute Infection Blood Test

£75 ✓ In Stock

What's covered in the price: Laboratory-supplied test kit with sample collection materials and prepaid return packaging. Results turnaround varies by test — see the estimated turnaround time shown above.
Results ready within 2 working days

Your sample goes to a UKAS accredited laboratory meeting ISO 15189 standards.

Date of birth required

After you receive your order confirmation email, please reply with your date of birth.

Blood sample
Clinic visit
(phlebotomy charges apply)
CQC registered Accredited UK labs ISO 15189

How it works

Your testing journey

From order to results in four simple steps. Full transparency on where each step happens and what it costs.

1
Medi Test Direct kit delivered by post

Receive your kit by post

Dispatched same working day if ordered before 3pm. Royal Mail Tracked delivery, typically 1–3 working days. 90% of kits arrive within 24 hours.

2
Clinic sample collection

Visit a partner clinic

Book a phlebotomy appointment at one of our 365+ UK partner clinics. Take your kit with you — the phlebotomist will collect your sample using the materials provided.

Phlebotomy fee applies (paid at clinic)
3
Venous blood draw at a clinic

Venous blood draw at a clinic

A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using the vacutainers provided in your kit. The appointment takes around 10 minutes.

4
Return sample by prepaid envelope

Return by prepaid envelope

Seal your sample in the biohazard bag provided and drop it in any Royal Mail postbox using the prepaid Tracked 24 envelope. Post Monday–Thursday for best results.

The Measles Antibodies (IgM) Blood Test detects active or recent measles infection by measuring IgM antibodies, which appear early in the immune response. Unlike the IgG test that shows long-term immunity, the IgM test specifically identifies current or recent infection.

This test is valuable for investigating suspected measles cases in individuals with symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, and red eyes (conjunctivitis), or following known exposure to measles. It is also important for public health surveillance and outbreak investigation.

Venous Blood Collection Kit

This kit is sent to you and taken to your chosen clinic. The phlebotomist will collect your sample using the materials provided.

  1. 1Vacutainer blood collection tubes
  2. 2Needle and butterfly needle
  3. 3Tourniquet
  4. 4Alcohol swab
  5. 5Cotton wool and gauze
  6. 6Adhesive plaster
  7. 7Biohazard specimen bag
  8. 8Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  9. 9Laboratory request form
  10. 10Instructions for the phlebotomist
No Fasting Required: This test does not require fasting. You may eat and drink normally before your blood collection. Timing: Measles IgM antibodies typically become detectable around 3–4 days after the appearance of the rash. If tested very early (before or immediately after rash onset), a negative result may not exclude infection. Repeat testing may be recommended if clinical suspicion remains high. Recent Vaccination: The MMR vaccine contains live attenuated measles virus and can cause a positive IgM result for several weeks after vaccination. Please inform us if you have received the MMR vaccine within the past 6 weeks. Public Health Notification: Measles is a notifiable disease in the UK. If you have suspected measles, please inform your GP and avoid contact with others, particularly unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people.

Measles IgM antibodies are the first antibodies produced by the immune system in response to measles virus infection. They typically appear around 3–4 days after the onset of the characteristic measles rash and remain detectable for approximately 4–8 weeks. What Positive Means: A positive Measles IgM result indicates current or recent measles infection. This is a significant finding as measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and rarely death. You should self-isolate and contact your GP or NHS 111 for guidance. What Negative Means: A negative Measles IgM result suggests no current or recent measles infection. However, if tested very early after symptom onset (within the first few days of rash), antibodies may not yet have developed. If clinical suspicion remains high, repeat testing may be recommended. Symptoms of Measles: Measles typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). After 2–4 days, a red-brown blotchy rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading downward. Small white spots (Koplik's spots) may appear inside the mouth before the rash. Difference from IgG Testing: This IgM test detects recent or current infection. If you need to check your long-term immunity status (for occupational health or vaccination records), you should request the Measles IgG test instead.

Medical Disclaimer

This test is for screening and information only — it is not a medical diagnosis or professional advice. Please have your results reviewed by a qualified doctor or healthcare provider who can explain what they mean for your personal health situation. If your results show anything outside the normal range, or if you're worried about your health, see your doctor as soon as you can. Don't change any medications or treatments based on these results alone — always talk to your healthcare provider first.

NO CLINICS, NO QUEUES, NO HASSLE

Four steps to clarity

Pick your panel 01

Pick your panel

Browse over 200 clinically designed test kits and choose the one that fits your goals.

Kit to your door 02

Kit to your door

Everything you need arrives in discreet packaging with step-by-step instructions inside.

Collect your sample 03

Collect your sample

Follow the simple instructions in your kit — whether it's a finger-prick at home or a venous draw at a partner clinic.

Insights delivered 04

Insights delivered

Clear, easy-to-understand results sent to you online with actionable health guidance.

Frequently asked questions

This test measures IgM antibodies, indicating a recent or active measles infection.

Yes. Despite high vaccination rates, measles outbreaks continue in communities with lower MMR uptake. Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications including pneumonia and encephalitis. Checking immunity is important if unsure of vaccination history.

No. This test is not affected by food or drink.

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