Measles confirmation typically involves a healthcare provider's assessment and laboratory testing.
Diagnosis of Measles
Generally, a healthcare provider can diagnose measles through a combination of methods:
- Medical History: A detailed account of the patient's symptoms and potential exposure to measles.
- Physical Examination: Examination of the patient, focusing on the characteristic measles rash.
- Laboratory Tests: To confirm the presence of the measles virus, the doctor might take samples of:
- Blood
- Secretions from the nose
- Throat swabs
These samples are then tested to identify the measles virus, confirming the diagnosis. According to the reference information, a healthcare provider will usually be able to diagnose measles with a good history and physical exam and looking at the rash. However, they may order laboratory tests to find the virus in samples of: Blood, Secretions from your nose and throat.
