What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a fever, skin rash, cough, or red watery eyes and you think you may have been exposed to measles. It checks for a current or recent measles infection by looking for a specific antibody your body makes when fighting the virus. It's a helpful way to confirm whether your symptoms are actually caused by measles.

What's included in this test?

This test measures Measles IgM antibodies, which are the specific proteins your immune system produces early on when fighting an active infection. Looking at IgM specifically (rather than IgG) matters because it helps tell the difference between a brand new infection and old immunity from a past illness or vaccine.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with your IgM level explained alongside the normal reference range so you know exactly where you stand. If your result is positive, the report will explain what that means and you should limit contact with others, especially unvaccinated people, pregnant women, and infants, since measles spreads easily. If your result is negative but symptoms continue or get worse, retesting or seeking care quickly is a smart next step, particularly with high fever, trouble breathing, or confusion. You can download the standard lab report anytime and track this result over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support my immune system while recovering?

While there's no natural remedy that clears measles itself, supporting your body can help you feel better and recover more smoothly. Rest as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and eat vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, since vitamin A has been linked to less severe measles illness. Keep the room comfortable and dim if light sensitivity is bothering your eyes, and avoid contact with others until you're no longer contagious.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll be notified as soon as your report is available in your online account, so there's no need to call or follow up.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit if you've had known or possible contact with someone diagnosed with measles and you're developing symptoms like fever or rash. It's also useful for people who are unsure of their vaccination status and want to check whether new symptoms are related to measles rather than another illness. Unvaccinated individuals, recent travelers to areas with measles outbreaks, and those working in schools or healthcare settings may especially want to consider testing.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth. These are usually followed a few days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. If you notice this pattern, especially after possible exposure, this test can help confirm what's going on.

What is measles IgM and why does it matter?

Measles IgM is an antibody, a small protein made by your immune system, that shows up early during an active or very recent measles infection. It matters because finding it in your blood is one of the clearest signs that you're currently dealing with the virus, rather than just having had it or been vaccinated in the past. Doctors and health departments often use this marker to confirm outbreaks and guide isolation decisions.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive IgM result generally means you have a current or very recent measles infection. Keep in mind that IgM tests can occasionally give false positives, and low IgM levels can sometimes linger in your blood for over a year after a past infection, so timing and symptoms matter when interpreting the result. If you test positive, limit contact with others right away, especially those at higher risk like infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

How often should I retest?

Retesting isn't something most people need to do routinely, since this test is meant to check for infection at a specific point in time rather than track an ongoing condition. If your first test comes back negative but your symptoms continue, worsen, or a rash develops afterward, retesting a few days later can help catch an infection that was too early to detect the first time. Once you've recovered and tested positive, there's generally no need for repeat testing.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Measles IgM Test - Detect Recent Infection

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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