Measles (Rubeola) Antibody IgM Test

Measles is a contagious disease which is caused by the rubella virus. It is also known as German measles. It can be dangerous as the person gets to know about it very late. It usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The Measles (Rubeola) Antibody IgM test aids in the diagnosis of measles infection if the patient has not vaccinated with MMR vaccination. Serum testing is done. Rubella spreads through the air. The cause is the coughs of people who are infected. People are infectious during the week before and after the appearance of the rash (Koplik spots).

Prior to the test, no special preparation is required. Everything should be as you are up to. You do not need to make any change in dressing.the test needs a blood sample to be collected from your arm so sleeves should be loose. Take your regular food, but if you have a sore palate be careful. In such case take non-spicy food and drinking lot of filtered water is a blessing. Tell the doctor if you are allergic to anything or have some underlying medication. After the physical examination, your doctor may ask for some specific preparation depending on your condition.

• The test is used to measure the level of IgM antibodies in the infection.
• The test also follows up the effectiveness of ongoing measles treatment.
• The test along with IgG confirms the presence of rubella virus in the body in case of the beginning of the rashes, mild fever with the temperature less than 38.3 °C (101 °F), and swollen glands. Sometimes brain inflammation and ear infection also take place. In women, the aching joints are common to occur.
• The test quantifies the immunity of an individual.
• Measles test lets the documentation of past and present measles infection.

The testing of the infection takes place in laboratories and the following steps are followed.
• Blood samples are taken for further checkups.
• The sample is transferred to serum separator tube.
• Refrigerate and centrifuge to separate serum.
• The serum is tested and the report is prepared.
• Sometimes saliva can also be taken for the test.
• Measles antibodies are transferred from the mothers to the unborn child during pregnancy. Use of MMR vaccine is not suggested during pregnancy. So doctors recommend immunization after the baby is born.