Diagnosis of Measles

Diagnosis  is based on the classical signs and symptoms of measles that are easily identified by your doctor. In the case of complications, further tests may be considered. These include:

Laboratory findings including a blood test may show leucopoenia i.e. low white blood cell count which is common in measles.

Virus isolation: The measles virus can be isolated from several sources such as conjunctival washings, lymphocytes, sputum, throat, or urinary sediment cells.

Serological tests: A measles antibody titre may be done especially in the case of complications. A four-fold increase in the measles antibody titre between the acute and the convalescent phase confirms the diagnosis.