A rubella titer blood test checks for antibodies to the rubella virus, particularly in pregnant women or those at risk of exposure. The test looks for two antibodies, IgG and IgM, with the presence of both indicating recent infection. High levels of IgG antibodies mean the patient is immune, while a negative or uncertain result requires another vaccination. The test is also useful for healthcare workers, students, and those who have lost their immunization records.
A rubella titer is a blood test done to check for antibodies to rubella, the virus responsible for the condition known as rubella or German measles. This test may be ordered in suspected cases of rubella infection or if there is concern about a patient’s immune status, most commonly in the case of women who are pregnant or about to become pregnant, as there are significant risks associated with having rubella in pregnancy. The test requires a small blood sample sent for laboratory analysis, and the time required for results varies.
In a rubella titer, your blood will be tested for the presence of antibodies associated with rubella exposure or infection. Two different antibodies are sought: immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). The presence of both antibodies in the blood is evidence of a recent infection. IgG antibodies alone are indicative of immunity, depending on how concentrated they are. In newborns, IgM antibodies alone indicate that the newborn was exposed in utero and may have health problems such as hearing loss.
If the levels of IgG antibodies in a rubella titer are high enough, the patient is immune and does not require any treatment. A lab may also return a negative result, indicating no protection from the virus, or an erratic or uncertain result, where some antibodies are present, but not enough to confirm immunity. These patients need another rubella immunization to protect them from the infection. If a woman is already pregnant, she may not receive the vaccination until after delivery and she will need to be careful to avoid people who carry the virus. Thanks to widespread rubella vaccination, herd immunity usually provides protection to pregnant women who may be susceptible.
Rubella titer can be ordered for health care workers and students preparing for school, as well as for pregnant women. These individuals are at increased risk of contracting rubella due to their close contact with patients and crowded conditions, respectively. If testing reveals inadequate protection, another vaccination may be given.
People can also apply for licenses if their immunization records have been lost and they want to confirm they were vaccinated; the other option is to get another vaccination. Getting vaccinated while you are already protected is not harmful and may be easier and cheaper than getting a rubella certificate. Stocks to test immunity to other common diseases are also available for people concerned about the effectiveness of vaccines.
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