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Mumps Acute Infection Status Blood Test (IgM)

£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 1 working day

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
Saliva 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
Blood
Blood
Saliva
Saliva

Multiple samples

This test uses 2 sample types. Instructions for each are included in your kit.

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 Mumps Antibodies (IgM) Blood Test detects active or recent mumps 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 mumps cases in individuals with symptoms such as painful swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands, fever, headache, and muscle aches. Mumps outbreaks can occur in close-contact settings such as universities, even among vaccinated individuals.

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

Saliva Collection Kit

  1. 1Saliva collection tube with funnel
  2. 2Biohazard specimen bag
  3. 3Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  4. 4Step-by-step instructions
No Fasting Required: This test does not require fasting. You may eat and drink normally before your blood collection. Timing: Mumps IgM antibodies typically become detectable within a few days of symptom onset and remain positive for several weeks. Testing is most reliable when symptoms have been present for at least a few days. Recent Vaccination: The MMR vaccine contains live attenuated mumps 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: Mumps is a notifiable disease in the UK. If you have suspected mumps, please inform your GP and avoid contact with others until you are no longer infectious (typically 5 days after swelling onset).

Mumps IgM antibodies are the first antibodies produced by the immune system in response to mumps virus infection. They typically appear within a few days of symptom onset and remain detectable for several weeks to months. What Positive Means: A positive Mumps IgM result indicates current or recent mumps infection. Mumps is contagious and can cause complications including viral meningitis, encephalitis, hearing loss, and orchitis (testicular inflammation) in post-pubertal males. You should self-isolate until no longer infectious and consult your GP. What Negative Means: A negative Mumps IgM result suggests no current or recent mumps infection. However, if tested very early after symptom onset, antibodies may not yet have developed. If clinical suspicion remains high, repeat testing may be recommended. Symptoms of Mumps: Mumps classically causes painful swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands, giving the characteristic "hamster cheek" appearance. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The swelling typically lasts 7–10 days. Some infections cause only mild or no symptoms. 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 Mumps 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, which indicate a recent or active mumps infection.

Mumps immunity from childhood vaccination can wane. Outbreaks still occur in the UK, particularly among young adults in university settings. Checking immunity is important for healthcare workers and anyone unsure of their vaccination history.

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

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