Mumps – Diagnostic – PCR

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Background
This page provides diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing information for Mumps at Public Health Ontario (PHO).

For information regarding other testing options, refer to the following PHO webpage:

Mumps Serology

Updates

As of August 31, 2026, Mumps PCR testing will be performed using a multiplex PCR assay that detects the fusion (F), small hydrophobic (SH) and nucleocapsid (N) gene targets. This assay enhances the analytical sensitivity and provides redundancy to support reliable detection of circulating mumps virus strains.

* Copie d'impression non contrôlée. Valide uniquement le jour de l'impression : 04 sept. 2026.

Testing Indications

Mumps molecular testing (PCR) is the preferred diagnostic test as it provides early detection, high sensitivity and specificity. Molecular testing allows for opportunities for genetic characterization of circulating mumps viruses. Mumps serology testing may provide additional diagnostic and epidemiological value. The decision to collect blood for serology remains at the discretion of the health care provider or public health unit.

For suspected cases of mumps, contact your local public health unit (PHU) prior to collecting specimens.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested	Required Requisition(s)	Specimen Type	Minimum Volume	Collection Kit
Mumps virus diagnosis PCR	General Test Requisition	Buccal Swab² , throat swab	1 swab in the transport media provided in the kit	Large Swab Throat Collection Kit for Viral PCR
Mumps virus diagnosis PCR	General Test Requisition	Urine	5.0 ml	Sterile Container
Mumps virus diagnosis PCR	General Test Requisition	cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ³	1.0 ml	Sterile Container

Submission and Collection Notes

Complete all fields of the requisition form, including:

Test(s) requested and indications for testing
Patient setting
Clinical information (symptoms, symptom onset date, and number of days from parotitis onset to collection), MMR/MMRV vaccination status and travel history (including date of travel/return).

Label the specimen container(s) with the patient’s first and last name, date of collection, and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. For additional information see: Criteria for Acceptance of Patient Specimens. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay

For diagnosis of symptomatic patients, collect either a buccal swab or throat swab for PCR testing. Collecting a urine specimen along with a buccal/throat swab may improve sensitivity of testing, specially if the patient seen in later stage of illness. Collection of blood specimen for mumps serology testing may add a diagnostic value in certain clinical scenarios. See next section for the recommended timing of specimen collection.

For buccal swab specimen collection, collect using the Large Swab Throat Collection for Viral PCR. 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. See US CDC video demonstration.

For throat swab specimen collection, refer to the Throat Specimen Collection Instructions.

Urine specimen collected in other media (i.e. CTNG specimen container) will be rejected for testing.

For submission of other specimen types please contact PHO’s Laboratory Customer Service Centre at 416-235-6556 or 1-877-604-4567.

CSF – testing may be performed in cases of aseptic meningitis

For cases part of suspected outbreak investigations or exposure events involving vulnerable population in health care settings, notify PHO’s Laboratory Customer Service to ensure testing prioritization.

Timing of Specimen Collection

Buccal swab and throat swab – should be collected up to 9 days from date of symptom onset, (preferable 3 days or fewer since symptoms onset)

Urine – should be collected up to 14 days following symptom onset

Storage and Transport

Place the specimen container in the biohazard bag and seal the bag; insert the completed requisition in the pocket on the outside of the sealed biohazard bag. To maintain optimal specimen integrity, specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and should be transported to PHO on ice packs within 72 hours of collection. If longer storage/transit time is anticipated, specimens should be frozen at -70°C or lower and transported on dry ice.

All clinical specimens must be shipped in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Good Act.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Test	Turnaround Time	Test Location	Frequency	Specimens receipt cut-offs*
Mumps Multiplex PCR	Up to 3 business days from receipt at PHO Laboratory	Toronto only	Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays	11AM
Mumps full Genotype (NML)	Up to 21 days from the receipt at NML	National Microbiology Laboratory	N/A	N/A

STAT and Critical Specimens Testing

STAT testing is not available. Specimen will be tested on next available run.

Test Methods

Mumps multiplex assay is performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a highly sensitive molecular method for the detection of mumps virus RNA. This laboratory-developed test (LDT) has been validated for clinical use at PHO and is not licensed by Health Canada.

The assay is designed to simultaneously detect multiple mumps virus gene targets, including the fusion (F), small hydrophobic (SH), and nucleocapsid (N) genes PLUS the internal control (RNaseP). Detection of multiple targets enhances analytical sensitivity and provides redundancy to support reliable detection of circulating mumps virus strains.

Algorithm

Specimens will be tested using the mumps multiplex PCR test that detects 3 viral targets (F, SH and N). The multiplex test is available in Toronto only.

All specimens in which one or more of the Mumps viral targets are detected will be referred to the NML for genotyping.

Refer to the NML for more information on mumps genotyping.

Interpretation

Mumps multiplex assay: results will be reported as DETECTED, NOT DETECTED, INDETERMINATE, or INVALID for each of the three mumps viral targets

Result	Interpretation
Detected	Mumps viral target(s) detected by real-time PCR
Not Detected	Mumps viral target(s) not detected by real-time PCR Note: a negative result does NOT exclude the possible presence of mumps virus in the patient.
Indeterminate	An indeterminate test result may be due to a low level of target genetic material in the specimen, inadequate specimen content, or a non-specific signal. Please submit another specimen for testing if clinically indicated.
Invalid	INVALID results indicate failed amplification of the extraction control which may be due to inadequate specimen content, extraction failure, or PCR inhibition. It is recommended to resubmit another specimen for testing if clinically indicated

This result must be interpreted within the context of clinical presentation, exposure history and epidemiological information.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

Specimens that are detected for Mumps are reported to the Medical Officer of Health as per Health Protection and Promotion Act.

* Copie d'impression non contrôlée. Valide uniquement le jour de l'impression : 04 sept. 2026.

Contacter nos laboratoires

Microbiologie et des services de laboratoire

customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca

Mis à jour le 31 août 2026