Rubella (German Measles) Antibody IgG, Serum

The Rubella test is used to detect rubella antibodies in the blood which are produced during rubella infection or during immunization. Rubella test is used to confirm adequate protection against Rubella virus. It is used to differenciate recent or past infection. It can also be used to identify an individual who have never been exposed to the virus and those who have not been vaccinated. In pregnant women it is used to verify sufficient levels of rubella antibodies to protect them from infection. Rubella is an enveloped RNA Virus. It is commonly called as the German or 3-day measles. The rubella virus spreads through droplet infection which causes mild contagious rash in children or Young adults. In childhood, the infection is characterised by low-grade fever, headache, lymph adenopathy, arthralgia and conjunctivitis. Rubella test is done before pregnancy or in the first trimester of the pregnancy, infection during pregnancy especially in the first trimester may lead to abortion, intrauterine infection leading to fetal death or congenital abnormalities. Congenital rubella depends on the time of infection and it may lead to complications like deafness, ocular problems including cataracts and glaucoma, congenital heart disease. Hence Rubella test is requested for person who has symptoms suspecting rubella infection, for a newborn who are infected during pregnancy or presents with congenital birth defects due to rubella infection. There are two types of Rubella antibodies IgG and IgM. Rubella IgM antibodies are first produced in the blood after exposure to virus, reaching detectable levels within 2-3 days and peak 14-21 days after onset of symptoms which remain detectable over the next 4-8 weeks. Prescence of Rubella IgM antibodies are useful in the diagnosis of active or recent infection. Rubella IgG antibodies appear after IgM response and peak 14-21 days later which then persist at varying levels for life providing protection against re-infection. The presence of IgG antibodies to rubella is indicative of past rubella infection or indicate the vaccination status against Rubella.

1. When is the Rubella test requested?

Rubella test is done before pregnancy or in the first trimester. Infection during pregnancy especially in the first trimester may lead to abortion. Intrauterine infection may lead to fetal death or congenital abnormalities. Hence Rubella test is requested for person who has symptoms that a physician suspects of rubella infection, for a newborn who is infected during pregnancy or presents with congenital birth defects due to rubella infection.

2. What are the protective measures for Rubella?

Rubella is prevented by taking Vaccination (MMR). It is the part of childhood immunisation. The presence of IgG antibodies to rubella are indicative of the vaccination status of Rubella.

3. Should Pregnant women be vaccinated for Rubella?

The rubella vaccine should not be given to a pregnant woman. After getting vaccinated with Rubella vaccine pregnancy must be avoided for at least one month.