Question 1

What is Mumps?

Accepted Answer

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing painful swelling. It is caused by the mumps virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family that spreads through respiratory droplets. The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile is the most important test for mumps because it detects antibodies that indicate immunity or recent infection.

Question 2

What causes mumps?

Accepted Answer

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Once the virus enters your body through your nose or mouth, it multiplies in your upper respiratory tract and then travels through your bloodstream to infect the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located near your ears and jawline.

Question 3

What is the best test for mumps?

Accepted Answer

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile is the most important test for mumps because it detects IgG antibodies that indicate whether you have immunity from vaccination or past infection. High IgG levels in unvaccinated individuals can suggest a recent or current mumps infection. The Amylase, Serum test is also essential as a supporting diagnostic tool because it measures enzyme levels that become elevated when mumps causes inflammation of the salivary glands. Together, these tests provide comprehensive information about both your immunity status and the presence of active glandular inflammation.

Question 4

When should I get tested for mumps?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop swelling in your cheeks or jaw area, especially if accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, or difficulty chewing. Testing is also important if you have been exposed to someone with confirmed mumps, if you are unsure about your vaccination status, or if you are planning travel to areas where mumps is more common. Healthcare workers, college students living in dormitories, and people working in close-contact environments should consider testing to verify their immunity status even without symptoms.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of mumps?

Accepted Answer

The hallmark symptom of mumps is painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, which causes your cheeks to puff out and your jaw area to become tender. You might notice fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite starting a few days before the swelling appears. Other symptoms include pain while chewing or swallowing, earache, and general discomfort. About one-third of people infected with mumps have mild or no symptoms at all, but they can still spread the virus to others.

Question 6

Who is at risk for mumps?

Accepted Answer

People who have not received the MMR vaccine are at highest risk for mumps, including unvaccinated children and adults who missed childhood vaccinations. Even vaccinated individuals can develop mumps if their immunity has waned over time, though their symptoms are typically milder. Young adults in close-contact settings like college dormitories, military barracks, or sports teams face increased risk due to prolonged exposure. Healthcare workers, international travelers visiting countries with ongoing mumps outbreaks, and people with weakened immune systems also have elevated risk of infection.

Question 7

What happens if mumps is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Mumps can lead to serious complications if left unmanaged, including orchitis (painful swelling of the testicles in males), which can rarely result in fertility problems. The virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis, inflammation of the brain and surrounding membranes that leads to severe headaches, stiff neck, and confusion. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, causes severe abdominal pain and can affect blood sugar regulation. Other complications include hearing loss (which can be permanent), oophoritis (ovarian inflammation in females), and myocarditis (heart inflammation). Pregnant women who contract mumps in early pregnancy face an increased risk of miscarriage.

Question 8

Can mumps be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mumps can be diagnosed and assessed through blood tests that measure specific antibodies and enzyme levels. The MMR Immunity Profile detects IgG antibodies that indicate immunity or recent infection, while elevated IgM antibodies suggest a current or recent acute infection. The Amylase, Serum test supports the diagnosis by revealing elevated enzyme levels that occur when the salivary glands or pancreas become inflamed. Your doctor may also use throat swabs or saliva samples for viral culture or PCR testing, but blood tests are essential for determining immunity status and identifying complications like pancreatic involvement.

Question 9

How is mumps treated?

Accepted Answer

Mumps treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications since there is no specific antiviral medication for the mumps virus. Rest, adequate fluid intake, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help reduce fever and discomfort. Applying warm or cold compresses to swollen glands can provide relief, and eating soft foods that require minimal chewing helps reduce jaw pain. Isolation from others for at least five days after swelling begins is crucial to prevent spreading the infection. Most people recover completely within two weeks, though your doctor will monitor for complications requiring additional medical intervention.

Question 10

How can I prevent mumps?

Accepted Answer

The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent mumps, with two doses providing about 88% protection against the disease. Children should receive their first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years of age, though adults who never received the vaccine can get vaccinated at any time. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, avoiding sharing drinks or utensils, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Stay away from people who have mumps, and if you are exposed, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss whether you need vaccination or monitoring.

Question 11

What can I do at home for mumps?

Accepted Answer

Rest is essential for recovery, so give your body time to fight the infection by avoiding strenuous activities and getting plenty of sleep. Stay well-hydrated by drinking water, clear broths, and non-acidic beverages, as acidic drinks like orange juice can increase salivary gland pain. Apply warm or cold compresses to swollen areas for 10-15 minutes several times daily to reduce discomfort. Eat soft, bland foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup that require minimal chewing, and avoid sour or acidic foods that stimulate saliva production and increase pain. Isolate yourself from others, especially those who are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems, for at least five days after symptoms begin.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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
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            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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Mumps Blood Test

What is Mumps?

What causes mumps?

What is the best test for mumps?

When should I get tested for mumps?

References

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