Rubella Virus - IgM (German Measles) Test

Rubella is a mild contagious viral infection mainly affecting the skin and lymph nodes causing a pinkish-red rash. It first appears on the face than elsewhere on the body. The infection usually lasts for 2 to 3 days and then naturally wears off. The infection is also known as German Measles or 3-day measles. The Rubella test is used to detect antibodies in the blood that develop in response to a rubella infection. A rubella test may be ordered for a person experiencing symptoms of mild fever, runny or stuffy nose, swollen lymph nodes and pinkish red rashes on the face initially followed by the arms, legs and elsewhere on the body or to a woman pregnant. There are two types of rubella antibodies that a lab test can detect: IgM and IgG. The first type of antibodies appears in the blood after the exposure to IgM rubella antibody. In this case, the level of protein rises and peaks in the blood within about 7 to 10 days after infection and then it tapers off in the next few weeks. However, if a newborn is affected it may be detected for several months to a year.

No special preparation is required for the test. You should be wearing a sleeveless shirt or a full sleeve loose fit shirt which can be comfortably folded while giving the blood sample.

The presence of IgM antibodies with or without IgG antibodies in a child or adult indicates a recent infection with the rubella virus The presence of IgM antibodies in a newborn indicates that the baby was infected during pregnancy because the mother’s IgM antibodies did not pass to the baby through the umbilical cord

The lab technician taking a sample of your blood will: Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein Clean the needle site with alcohol Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed. Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed Put pressure on the site and then put on a bandage