Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM
Understanding Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM
What is Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM?
The Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM is a blood test used to detect the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies specific to the rubella virus in the blood. This test helps determine if an individual has been infected with or has immunity to the rubella virus.
Rubella, commonly known as German measles or 3-day measles, is a contagious viral infection caused by the Rubella virus. While often presenting with mild symptoms such as fever, rash, and nasal congestion, rubella can pose serious risks to unborn babies whose mothers become infected during pregnancy.
The Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM is conducted to assess an individual's immunity status against rubella. The presence of IgM antibodies indicates a recent or ongoing rubella infection,while the IgG antibodies help determine past rubella infections or vaccinations, which provide immunity against future rubella infections. By assessing immunity levels and detecting active infections, this test plays a crucial role in guiding preventive measures, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women and other high-risk groups.
A positive IgG result indicates immunity to rubella, while a positive IgM result may suggest a recent infection. A negative IgM result suggests no recent rubella infection, although it may not rule out very early stages of infection, while a negative IgG result indicates no prior exposure or no immunity to rubella, highlighting the need for vaccination, especially in women planning to conceive. In cases of uncertain results, retesting after 10 -14 days is suggested in individuals with suspected disease.
No special preparation is required before undergoing the Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM test. However, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, medical conditions, or vaccination history before the test, as these factors may potentially influence the test results.
Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. The insights from this test help the doctor tailor an appropriate treatment plan.
What is Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM used for?
The Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM is done:
- To detect and differentiate between a recent/current or previous rubella infection.
- In case of symptoms such as fever, skin rash, cough, sore throat, runny nose, pink eye, joint pain, general discomfort, or swollen lymph nodes suggestive of rubella.
- After rubella vaccination to confirm the immune status.
- As a screening test during prenatal care to check immunity in women planning to become pregnant.
- In pregnant women to ensure immunity and prevent congenital rubella syndrome.
- In newborn babies who show congenital abnormalities related to the rubella virus.
What does Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM measure?
Contains 2 testsThe Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM determines the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood against the Rubella virus, serving several crucial purposes in diagnosing and managing rubella infections. This panel is primarily conducted to determine an individual's immunity status against rubella, especially in pregnant women or those planning to conceive and other high-risk individuals.
IgM antibodies typically indicate recent or acute rubella infection, as IgM antibodies are the first to appear in response to a new infection, typically within 4-10 days after exposure. IgG antibodies, on the other hand, develop later and persist for years, often indicating immunity from past infection or vaccination. Therefore, combining IgG and IgM testing helps doctors differentiate between recent infections and past immunity.
Rubella Virus, IgG
A Rubella Virus, IgG test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies specific to the rubella virus in an individual's blood. IgG antibodies are indicative of previous exposure or vaccination against rubella. This test helps assess an individual’s immunity status to the virus. If the IgG antibodies are detected, it suggests that the individual has either been vaccinated against rubella or has had a previous infection, leading to the development of immune protection.
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Rubella Virus, IgM
A Rubella Virus, IgM test determines the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood against Rubella virus. IgM antibodies are the first line of defense produced by the immune system in response to a recent infection. Therefore, this test is crucial for diagnosing acute or recent rubella infections.
In acute primary infection during pregnancy, IgM may be detected 4-15 days after the rash appears. The IgM levels begin to decline after 36 -70 days and may last up to 180 days in some cases.
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Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM
Frequently Asked Questions about Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM
Q. What is the Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM?
Q. Why is the Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM important?
Q. When should I get the Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM done?
Q. What preparations are needed before taking the Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM?
Q. Can this test diagnose a current rubella infection?
Q. Can the Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel, IgG & IgM indicate my long-term immunity against rubella?
Q. Is rubella contagious?
Q. How does rubella immunity affect pregnancy?
Q. How can I prevent rubella?
Q. Can I get vaccinated for rubella during pregnancy?
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References
- Rubella (German Measles, Three-Day Measles) [Internet]. CDC; 31 Dec. 2020 [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024] Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/index.html
- Rubella [Internet]. WHO; 04 Oct. 2019 [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rubella
- Isaac BM, Zucker JR, Giancotti FR, Abernathy E, Icenogle J, Rakeman JL, Rosen JB. Rubella Surveillance and Diagnostic Testing among a Low-Prevalence Population, New York City, 2012-2013. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2017 Sep 5;24(9):e00102-17. [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5585696/#:~:text=Rubella%20IgM%20assays%20may%20produce,(9%2C%E2%80%9316).
- Camejo Leonor M, Mendez MD. Rubella. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559040/
- Vauloup-Fellous C, Grangeot-Keros L. Humoral immune response after primary rubella virus infection and after vaccination. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2007 May;14(5):644-7. [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1865636/#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20well%20described,2%2C%208%2C%2015
- Shukla S, Maraqa NF. Congenital Rubella. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507879/
- Best JM, O'Shea S, Tipples G, Davies N, Al-Khusaiby SM, Krause A, Hesketh LM, Jin L, Enders G. Interpretation of rubella serology in pregnancy--pitfalls and problems. BMJ. 2002 Jul 20;325(7356):147-8. [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123673/
- Hatami H, Mansouri F, Mehrabi Y, Namdari H, Hatami M. Evaluation of rubella IgG antibodies among women at marriage in Kermanshah city, before and after mass vaccination. Int J Prev Med. 2013 Aug;4(8):917-21. PMID: 24049618; PMCID: PMC3775169. [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775169/
- Armah NB, Sagoe KW, Nuamah M, Yawson AE, Nartey ET, Essuman VA, Yao NA, Baidoo KK, Fynn JA, Tetteh D, Gyamaa-Yeboah E, Seshie M, Boamah I, Nkyekyer K. Rubella virus IgM and IgG antibodies with avidity in pregnant women and outcomes at a tertiary facility in Ghana. PLoS One. 2022 Dec 30;17(12):e0279733. [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9803272/
- Cubie H, Edmond E. Comparison of five different methods of rubella IgM antibody testing. J Clin Pathol. 1985 Feb;38(2):203-7. [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC499103/
- Agbede OO, Adeyemi OO, Olatinwo AW. Significance of IgG-Avidity in Antenatal Rubella Diagnosis. J Family Reprod Health. 2013 Sep;7(3):131-7. PMID: 24971115; PMCID: PMC4064784. [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4064784/
- Serology Testing for Rubella [Internet]. CDC; 10 Jun. 2024 [Accessed 04 Jun. 2024] Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/php/laboratories/serology-testing.html#:~:text=Detection%20of%20rubella%20IgM%20by,after%20birth%20in%20CRS%20cases.
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