Published: August 6, 2025
LANSING, MI – University of Michigan Health-Sparrow announced Tuesday that it is the only health system in the state to begin not only testing patients for measles but to analyze the results in-house, making for more rapid treatment.
The nasal swab test must be ordered by physicians and is available for inpatients in the hospital or for outpatients in their vehicles. This innovative testing will shorten the wait time for results and ensure patients receive the timeliest treatment plan to combat community spread.
“We've always seen it as one of our primary objectives to make sure that we're on the cutting edge and, in particular, in terms of accessibility,” said Jon Baker, laboratories director, UM Health-Sparrow.
“We think that measles is not going to go away and we're going to see future outbreaks. This was part of making sure that we were prepared for that,” Baker said.
Jon Baker, director of laboratories for University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, announced a new in-house measles test Tuesday.
A processing machine analyzes DNA/RNA samples, similar to the equipment used in measles testing.
UM Health-Sparrow Laboratories is among the largest hospital labs in the country, and this testing advancement builds on the health system’s longstanding legacy of innovation. UM Health-Sparrow was among the first in Michigan to offer an in-house COVID-19 test for patients during the pandemic and was first in the country to implement the high-sensitivity troponin test for early detection of heart attacks.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a very contagious virus and case have increased statewide and nationally. It can spread through the air and live on surfaces. Pregnant women, seniors, children and people with weak immune systems are at higher risks for complications if diagnosed with measles.
UM Health-Sparrow urges the community to stay informed about measles prevention, including keeping up to date with vaccinations.
For more information on UM Health-Sparrow Laboratories, go to UofMHealthSparrow.org/departments-conditions/all-departments/laboratories.
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University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 team members, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.