Rubella IgG, IgM Test

Rubella or German measles is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. On exposure to the rubella virus, a person develops pinkish red rashes, mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, runny nose, headache and joint pain. Rubella is a droplet infection. Two antibodies whose detection is vital to confirm Rubella infection are – IgM and IgG. The antibodies remain for years in the bloodstream. The Rubella antibody blood test may confirm immunity towards Rubella or detect past or recent Rubella infection. It also confirms whether a person has ever been exposed to the virus or has been vaccinated. The test is done by pregnant women and would be mothers to confirm immunity towards Rubella infection.

Rubella or German measles is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. On exposure to the rubella virus, a person develops pinkish red rashes, mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, runny nose, headache and joint pain. Rubella is a droplet infection. Two antibodies whose detection is vital to confirm Rubella infection are – IgM and IgG. The antibodies remain for years in the bloodstream. The Rubella antibody blood test may confirm immunity towards Rubella or detect past or recent Rubella infection. It also confirms whether a person has ever been exposed to the virus or has been vaccinated. The test is done by pregnant women and would be mothers to confirm immunity towards Rubella infection.

The test results indicate whether you currently have the virus or are immune to it. If antibody IgM is detected in the blood sample of a child or adult, then a new Rubella infection is confirmed. If antibody IgG is detected in the blood sample of a child or adult, then either a past Rubella infection is confirmed or the person has been vaccinated for Rubella infection. If neither IgM nor IgG antibodies are detected, then it indicates no Rubella infection nor has the person been immunized.

If a pregnant woman in her first trimester is infected with Rubella virus, then the foetus may be subjected to complications in its growth. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) may affect the newborn drastically. A newborn with positive IgM indicates recent postnatal or congenital infection. A newborn with positive IgG indicates antibodies have been passed from the mother to her baby. This type of passive immunity usually lasts for 6-12 months for the baby.

In case of adults, blood sample is collected through venipuncture. A tourniquet is tied to the upper arm and the vein is located. An alcohol based antiseptic is applied to the needle site. A disposable needle is pushed gently into the vein and the tourniquet is released. The blood sample is stored in a labelled EDTA vial. If a newborn, blood sample is collected from the umbilical cord.