NORTHFIELD, Ill. (July 14, 2026) — With public health experts warning that the United States could lose its measles elimination status as ongoing outbreaks continue, laboratory preparedness has never been more important. On August 24, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) will launch its new Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella-Zoster Virus (MMRV) Molecular Proficiency Testing program to help laboratories ensure they are ready for high-impact infectious disease testing.
The CAP is the only provider globally offering an integrated molecular proficiency testing solution for measles, mumps, rubella, and VZV that closely mirrors real clinical laboratory workflows.
“Molecular testing can make the difference between a rapid, confident diagnosis and unnecessary uncertainty during an outbreak,” said CAP President Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP. “This proficiency testing program gives laboratories the opportunity to demonstrate readiness for infrequent but high-consequence events and helps ensure they can deliver reliable results when testing demand surges.”
Unlike traditional antibody testing, molecular testing detects the virus directly and can distinguish between vaccine-related reactions and true infection, an important advantage for symptomatic, recently vaccinated, or immunocompromised patients, where rashes and fevers may look similar.
Designed for microbiology and public health laboratories, the MMRV Molecular Proficiency Testing program helps participants strengthen outbreak preparedness, validate testing performance, and build confidence in delivering accurate results when timing matters most.
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.