A rubella blood test detects Reference antibodies Opens New Window that are made by the Reference immune system Opens New Window to help kill the Reference rubella Opens New Window virus. These antibodies remain in the bloodstream for years. The presence of certain antibodies means a recent infection, a past infection, or that you have been vaccinated against the disease.
Rubella (also called German measles or 3-day measles) usually does not cause long-term problems. But a woman infected with the rubella virus during pregnancy can transmit the disease to her baby (Reference fetus Opens New Window). And serious birth defects called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) could develop, especially during the first Reference trimester Opens New Window. Birth defects of CRS include cataracts and other eye problems, hearing impairment, and heart disease. Reference Miscarriage Opens New Window and stillbirth are also possible consequences for pregnant women. The vaccination to prevent rubella protects against these complications.
A rubella test is usually done for a woman who is or wants to become pregnant to determine whether she is at risk for rubella. Several laboratory methods can be used to detect rubella antibodies in the blood. The most commonly used method is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIA).
|By:||Reference Healthwise Staff||Last Revised: Reference August 31, 2012|
|Medical Review:||Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease