Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel Test
Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel Test
Rubella infection, also known as German Measles, is caused by a virus of the same name, Rubella. One can get infected if they come into the contact of nasal droplets, or throat mucus of other people who are infected with this virus. This infection usually resolves on its own, with mild fever and rashes. Contracting this disease during early pregnancy would be risky, as there may be complications with childbirth and a possibility of birth defects in the baby. The rubella antibodies panel would test if you are infected with rubella virus or you are immune to this virus.
What is the Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel Test Used For?
This test is recommended for people who show symptoms of German measles, have not taken the MMR vaccine (mumps, measles, rubella), planning to get pregnant or are pregnant, infants with birth defects or mothers who contracted this virus during their pregnancy, and healthcare professionals. This test reveals if you have had rubella infection in the past or the present by checking the levels of antibodies like IgG or IgM produced by your immune system.
Symptoms of Rubella or German measles
The symptoms of the German Measles are
Mild Fever
Red, Raised Rashes on the face and the neck
Headache
Joint pain
Sore throat
Weakness or fatigue
Enlarged lymph nodes
Which Tests are Included in Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel Test?
The Rubella Antibodies Panel test includes
IgM Antibody Levels
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If you have been recently infected with this virus, IgM antibodies are produced in your body, and would be present till 7-10 days after infection. For newborns infected with rubella, IgM antibodies would be found in their bodies for up to a year.
IgG Antibody Levels
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If you have been vaccinated or previously exposed to rubella virus, this antibody remains in the body for your whole life, protecting you against rubella infection.
Preparation for Test
Before the test, let your general physician know of any medication, supplements or treatments that you are consuming or undergoing. If you have recently taken the MMR (Mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine, do inform your physician, as it may affect the test results. There are no other special preparations for this test.
Interpretation of Test Results
IgM Antibody Positive: Indicates that there are IgM antibodies in the blood sample which may be due to rubella infection or other infections. In infants, if IgM antibodies are present, it would be due to rubella infection before or just after birth.
IgM Antibody Negative: Indicates that IgM antibodies are not present in the blood sample. You may not be infected with Rubella, but this might also be due to having a weak immune system not being able to produce antibodies.
IgG Antibody Positive: IgG levels more than or equal to 1.0 Antibody Index, would mean that you are immune to future Rubella infection, either due to being vaccinated earlier or earlier infection.
IgG Antibody Negative: IgG levels less than 0.7 Antibody Index, would mean that the antibody levels against rubella are very less. Either you have not been infected with Rubella or not been vaccinated against it earlier, putting you at risk for future rubella infections.
IgG Antibody Indeterminate: IgG antibody levels between 0.8 and 0.9 Antibody index would mean that you might have taken rubella vaccine recently and not enough antibodies have developed against it yet. In this case, the doctor would ask you to repeat the test after 10-14 days.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for Rubella (German Measles) Antibodies Panel test?
The tests results should come within 1-3 days after the sample is taken. This time would depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis.
When is this test recommended for children?
If the infant, has birth defects or other complications related to ear, heart, and eyes. If a child has symptoms of rubella infection, the doctor might recommend this test.
Should pregnant women undergo this test?
If a pregnant woman, especially during their first trimester, came in contact with a person with rubella infection, developing rashes and other symptoms, then they should get tested. Women who are planning to conceive should also undergo this test. In case women are not immune to rubella infection, they may be advised to take the MMR vaccine and then wait for at least a month before planning an upcoming pregnancy.
Is there a cure for German Measles?
There are no specific treatments for this condition, as it is usually resolved on its own within a few days. Symptoms like fever would be managed by using medications like paracetamol or Tylenol.
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