Exam Quick Guide

Rubella is a viral infection that typically begins with a skin rash and fever. Although rubella has been eliminated from the United States due to widespread vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, information technology can be spread past unvaccinated people who contract the virus abroad before returning to the U.s..

Rubella testing is used to diagnose current or prior infection with the virus. Testing can also be performed to make up one's mind prior vaccination confronting rubella. Testing may be performed on a sample of blood or urine, or on a swab taken from the olfactory organ or pharynx.

Almost the Test

Purpose of the test

The purpose of a rubella test is to detect a rubella infection or appraise immunity to the virus. Testing may exist ordered for diagnosis, prenatal screening, or to find evidence of amnesty.

Diagnosis

Rubella testing is used to diagnose or dominion out this status in patients with symptoms that are suggestive of rubella.

The rubella virus tin can exist spread through coughing and sneezing likewise as prolonged close contact with an infected person. While rubella is generally a mild disease that goes away without treatment, it can have harmful furnishings if transmitted to a developing fetus during pregnancy.

Prenatal panel

Rubella testing is routinely ordered as role of a prenatal console, which is a group of tests used to discover infections and other bug early in pregnancy. As part of this panel, rubella testing is used to check the pregnant person for amnesty to rubella.

People who are pregnant and become infected with rubella can transmit the infection to their fetus. The risk of transmission is greatest during the offset trimester and in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Complications from a rubella infection during pregnancy can include miscarriage, stillbirth, and nascence defects.

Proof of immunity

In addition to prenatal testing, there are several circumstances in which doctors may order rubella testing to assess a person's immunity to the virus. Some health care professionals, students, and international travelers may need to provide proof of amnesty for work, schoolhouse, or travel.

Immunity to rubella develops later on MMR vaccination, which protects confronting future infection and prevents the spread of the virus to others. In people who have non been vaccinated, immunity develops after recovery from a past infection.

In some instances, people may go infected fifty-fifty if they accept been vaccinated or take had rubella before.

What does the test measure?

Rubella testing looks for evidence of exposure to the rubella virus. Different tests are available that expect for antibodies to the rubella virus or genetic material from the virus.

Rubella antibody tests measure out the amount of rubella antibodies in a blood sample to help diagnose a electric current or recent rubella infection. After contracting a rubella infection, the body develops antibodies to the virus. Antibodies are proteins fabricated by the body'south immune system to fight infections, viruses, and bateria.

This type of testing is also used to run across if people have previously been vaccinated against rubella. A rubella antibody test checks for the level of antibodies, likewise known as antibody titers, to the rubella virus that may bespeak current or recent infection or past vaccination. There are several types of rubella antibody tests:

  • Immunoglobulin Yard (IgM) antibiotic test: IgM antibody testing is typically the first test used to diagnose rubella. People who are newly infected with rubella develop IgM antibodies to the virus. Almost people will develop IgM antibodies every bit presently as four days after the onset of symptoms. IgM antibody levels can remain detectable for six to eight weeks or longer subsequently infection.
  • Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody exam: Some other blazon of antibody exam that may exist used to diagnose rubella and establish immunity is IgG antibiotic testing. IgG testing may be performed to help distinguish between recent infections and immunity due to past infection. IgG testing is too the preferred method for checking immunity to rubella in people who are significant.

Nucleic acid distension testing (NAAT) identifies genetic cloth, called RNA, of the rubella virus in a nasal swab, pharynx swab, or a urine sample. Rubella NAAT is much less common compared to antibiotic testing but may be used in specific situations. There are different types of NAAT. The type of NAAT used for rubella testing is referred to as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.

When should I get a rubella test?

Rubella testing may be ordered if you take symptoms of rubella and have recently traveled internationally or were exposed to someone with symptoms similar to rubella. Near people with rubella develop a rash that begins on the face up before spreading to other parts of the torso. Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Joint stiffness or pain
  • Conjunctivitis, also called pinkish center

If you are pregnant, your dr. will bank check for rubella amnesty as part of your initial prenatal assessment. Rubella testing can show whether yous've been vaccinated or have immunity due to a by rubella infection.

If you are traveling internationally or if you are required to do so for work or school, you may need to be tested for rubella to provide proof of immunity.

Finding a Rubella Exam

How to go tested

Rubella testing is ordered by a health professional person. The sample required for testing is taken in a doctor's office or other medical setting such every bit a laboratory or hospital.

Can I have the test at home?

At-habitation testing kits for rubella are non commercially available in the United States. Rubella testing must be ordered past a wellness professional person and the sample obtained at a medical office, laboratory or infirmary.

How much does the exam cost?

The cost of testing for rubella can differ based on several factors including wellness insurance status, where the examination is being performed, and whether other testing is existence ordered at the same time.

Your health intendance provider or insurance visitor can discuss the price of testing if you accept questions. They tin speak with you lot about out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and deductibles.

Taking a Rubella Examination

The sample needed for your rubella exam volition vary depending on the type of testing that has been ordered. Testing may require a sample of blood, urine, or a nasal or pharynx swab.

Before the test

No special examination grooming is required before taking a rubella test.

Equally with any laboratory test, it is of import to speak with your health intendance provider before testing and carefully follow any pre-test instructions.

During the test

During a blood draw, a needle is inserted into a vein in your arm to withdraw the blood sample needed for testing. An rubberband band, called a tourniquet, is typically placed around the upper office of the arm to increment blood flow to the vein being used for the procedure. The area where the needle will be inserted is cleaned with an antiseptic. A needle with a small test tube or vial attached is inserted into the arm to beginning the menses of blood. In that location may be a mild sting or hurting when the needle is inserted merely it should not last long.

During a rubella test that requires a olfactory organ or pharynx swab, a cotton wool swab is inserted into both nostrils or the throat. The swab is typically left in identify for a few moments and then turned a few times to ensure collection of an adequate sample for testing. There may be some discomfort while the swab is inserted. Your optics may water or you may gag or blanch. The process lasts a few moments and does not cause lasting discomfort.

If your health care provider is requesting a urine sample for rubella testing, you volition be asked to provide a sample in a loving cup for laboratory analysis.

Afterwards the test

After a blood draw is complete, force per unit area and a cast will be placed over the area to terminate whatsoever bleeding and to forestall bruising.

Post-test care is mostly not required for patients providing a nasal or throat swab or a urine sample.

All drove methods are routine medical procedures and there should be no long-term side effects. Typically, you can return to your normal activities. Withal, if you are existence tested considering of symptoms that propose rubella, it is of import to speak with your health intendance provider about precautions yous should take to prevent the spread of rubella to other people.

Rubella Examination Results

Receiving examination results

The results of your rubella test are typically available inside a few days. Your test results may be uploaded to an online wellness portal or sent to yous through the mail. Your md may also contact you straight to speak with you almost the results of your exam.

Interpreting examination results

Your exam report will include information about the type of rubella test performed equally well as your test results. Test results may include reference ranges as well as the laboratory'southward interpretation of test results. Reference ranges describe the expected range of antibiotic levels used to interpret test results.

The following sections include information most the interpretation of rubella antibody tests and rubella NAAT testing.

Rubella antibody tests (IgG/IgM)

The results of rubella antibiotic testing may be reported as follows:

  • Detected, positive, or immune: Sufficient antibodies are present in the sample to indicate current infection, prior infection, or vaccination and subsequent immunity.
  • Indeterminate or equivocal: Some antibodies are present in the sample, which may indicate current infection, prior infection or vaccination. Echo testing may be recommended.
  • Undetected, negative, or non-immune: Very few or no antibodies were present in the sample, which does not betoken current infection, prior infection, or immunity due to vaccination.

If you lot have questions about your antibody test and what the results mean for your health, it is important to speak with your health intendance provider.

Rubella nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT)

The results of rubella NAAT testing may be reported in the post-obit manner:

  • Detected or positive: Rubella RNA was detected in the sample, which may point a current infection.
  • Indeterminate or inconclusive: In that location was not enough data for interpretation.
  • Undetected or negative: Rubella RNA was not detected in the sample, which may indicate no electric current infection. Confirmation with antibody testing may be suggested.

Your doctor tin can provide more information about NAAT to observe rubella and what your test results mean in the context of your health.

Are test results accurate?

The results of rubella testing are generally considered accurate, though no test is perfect. There are a few factors that can impact the reliability of the examination results:

The timing of testing can touch the accuracy of your test results. Ruella tests ordered for diagnosing symptoms should be performed inside a certain period of fourth dimension following the onset of a rash or fever that suggests rubella infection.

  • Rubella antibody tests: Antibiotic testing should be ordered five days subsequently the start of a rash if possible. Testing before that could pb to a false negative test outcome, which is when a person tests negative but has a rubella infection. If rubella testing is ordered within three days of the start of the rash, another rubella test should be ordered in ii to iv weeks to confirm a diagnosis.
  • Rubella NAAT: Testing should be performed as soon as possible after the start of symptoms. Ideally, sample collection should happen one to three days after symptoms develop, but no later than seven days after the start of a fever and rash.

Imitation positive test results can as well occur because some antibodies, other than those adult in response to a rubella infection, can affect the results of IgM and IgG claret tests. A false positive result is when a person who is not infected with rubella tests positive for the infection.

For example, rheumatoid factor and antibodies to other viruses can crusade a fake positive exam outcome for rubella. If a health intendance provider is concerned about false positive exam results, NAAT may be used to ostend a diagnosis or immunity.

Do I need follow-up tests?

Typically, no follow-up testing is necessary later on a test to bank check for rubella amnesty or diagnose rubella infection in adults. Notwithstanding, echo testing may be recommended if there are questions well-nigh an initial test consequence. Your medico is in the best position to speak with you well-nigh any follow-upwards testing or intendance that may be necessary.

If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with rubella, your wellness care provider may order further testing to make up one's mind if the infection has been transmitted to the fetus.

Questions for your doc most test results

You may have questions well-nigh your rubella examination written report every bit you review the results with your health care provider. The post-obit questions may be helpful to ask:

  • Which rubella test did I receive?
  • What was the effect of my test?
  • Will I need to take another rubella test?
  • If I take rubella, what are the adjacent steps for my wellness care?
  • If I am pregnant and am not showing immunity to rubella, what steps can I take to protect myself and the health of my infant?
  • Do I need to be vaccinated confronting rubella?

Related Tests

Rubella testing in infants

Rubella can be transmitted to a fetus if the person who is pregnant becomes infected during pregnancy. Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is a group of birth defects caused by the transmission of rubella to a fetus and can lead to hearing loss, centre disease, and cataracts.

To confirm a diagnosis of rubella in an infant, testing is conducted after birth and before the age of i. Testing may include rubella antibody tests and rubella NAAT.

If your infant's health care provider is concerned almost rubella infection, they can provide more information about the evaluation of your baby and the testing that may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Related Content

View Sources

A.D.A.G. Medical Encyclopedia. Rubella. Updated February two, 2021. Accessed Dec 16, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/commodity/001574.htm

Arrieta Air conditioning. Congenital rubella. In: Edwards MS, Weisman LE, eds. UpToDate. Updated June sixteen, 2021. Accessed December 17, 2021. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/congenital-rubella

ARUP Consult. Rubella virus. Updated Jan 2020. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://arupconsult.com/content/rubella-virus

Centers for Disease Command and Prevention. Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases: Affiliate fourteen: Rubella. Updated March 6, 2020. Accessed December sixteen, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-transmission/chpt14-rubella.html

Centers for Affliction Control and Prevention. Diseases you most forgot about (thanks to vaccines). Updated May 8, 2020. Accessed December 17, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/forgot-14-diseases.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubella (German measles, iii-day measles): For wellness professionals. Updated December 31, 2020. Accessed December 17, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/hcp.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubella (German measles, three-day measles): RNA detection: Detection of rubella RNA by RT–PCR or virus isolation. Updated December 31, 2020. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://world wide web.cdc.gov/rubella/lab/rna-detection.html

Centers for Illness Control and Prevention. Rubella (High german measles, 3-day measles): Transmission. Updated Dec 31, 2020. Accessed December 17, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/hcp.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rubella (German measles, three-day measles): Serology: Serologic testing for rubella and CRS in depression prevalence setting. Updated December 31, 2020. Accessed December 17, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/lab/serology.html

Centers for Affliction Control and Prevention. Vaccine (shot) for rubella. Updated December 31, 2020. Accessed Dec sixteen, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/rubella.html

Centers for Affliction Control and Prevention. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). Updated June xiv, 2021. Accessed December xix, 2021. https://world wide web.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/naats.html

Edwards MS. Rubella. In: Hirsch MS, ed. UpToDate. Updated December half-dozen, 2021. Accessed December xvi, 2021. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/rubella

Hibberd PL. Measles, mumps, and rubella immunization in adults. In: Hirsch MS. UpToDate. Updated November 16, 2021. Accessed December 17, 2021. https://world wide web.uptodate.com/contents/measles-mumps-and-rubella-immunization-in-adults

MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Immunoglobulins blood exam. Updated December 10, 2020. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/immunoglobulins-blood-test/

MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Prenatal Panel. Updated September 23, 2021. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prenatal-panel/

Riley LE. Rubella in pregnancy. In: Hirsch MS, Lockwood CJ, eds. UpToDate. Updated December iii, 2021. Accessed December 21, 2021. https://world wide web.uptodate.com/contents/rubella-in-pregnancy

Tesini BL. Rubella. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Updated June 2021. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://world wide web.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/miscellaneous-viral-infections-in-infants-and-children/rubella

Globe Health Organization. Transmission for the laboratory-based surveillance of measles, rubella, and built rubella syndrome: Affiliate 8: Laboratory testing in back up of measles and rubella surveillance in emptying settings. Updated June 9, 2018. Accessed December 21, 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/thousand/item/chapter-8-manual-for-the-laboratory-based-surveillance-of-measles-rubella-and-built-rubella-syndrome

Inquire a Laboratory Scientist

Ask a Laboratory Scientist

This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist every bit role of a voluntary service provided past one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please let ii-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Data Response Squad.

Send The states Your Question