Rubella DNA PCR - Qualitative (German Measles) Test

Rubella, a disease caused by a virus is known to be very common during pregnancies. The virus is transmittable to the fetus, resulting in congenital Rubella syndrome affecting the child when born. The symptoms of Rubella are fever, enlarged lymph nodes, redness, rashes, headache and runny noses. Viruses affect by taking over the host's DNA. They do this by inserting their own DNA into that of the host. Therefore, to test presence of a virus in a patient, their DNA can be tested for a trace of viral DNA. To test DNA, samples that can be obtained are blood, CSF, saliva and throat swabs. Of these, the blood test is most common.

No special preparation is required. Inform the doctor of any medications being taken by the patient. It is recommended that the patient wear a short sleeved shirt.

If Rubella virus DNA is found, the patient is ruled Rubella positive. Further steps will be as instructed. If Rubella virus DNA is not found, the patient is ruled Rubella negative. DNA sequences of other viruses are then searched for. It should be noted that the test isn't always confirmatory and must be supplemented with others.

The sample will be drawn from a vein in the arm of the patient. The site will be cleaned with an alcohol swab. A sterile needle will be inserted into the patient's arm. About 2ml blood will be drawn. The site will be cleaned with a cotton swab. The blood sample will be run through a PCR machine to obtain the DNA sequence. The sequence will be analyzed for presence of viral DNA.