Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No
- Turn-around: 1-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Verify immunity status without needing a doctor's visit or medical records
- Meet requirements for school, work, healthcare, or travel documentation quickly
- Get confidential results with physician review and interpretation included
- Make informed decisions about vaccination needs and outbreak protection
- Save time and money with convenient online ordering and local blood draws
Who Is This Test For?
- Students needing proof of mumps immunity for school enrollment
- Healthcare workers required to demonstrate immunity status
- International travelers visiting areas with mumps outbreaks
- Adults with incomplete or unknown vaccination histories
- Individuals exposed to mumps who want to confirm their protection
- Anyone seeking to verify their immune status proactively
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No doctor referral needed; choose your preferred lab location
- Visit the lab – Quick blood draw at a certified location near you
- Get results – Secure, confidential results within 1-3 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgG antibodies specific to mumps virus that indicate immunity from past infection or vaccination.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required. Just inform the lab of any recent vaccinations or symptoms.
Can this test tell if I have an active mumps infection? No, IgG testing shows immunity, not active infection. For acute diagnosis, PCR or IgM testing is preferred.
What if my results are borderline? Borderline results may require retesting or consultation with a healthcare provider for interpretation.
How accurate is this test for immunity? IgG testing is highly specific for mumps immunity, making it reliable for confirming protection status (CDC 2024).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Mumps IgG blood test measures immunoglobulin G antibodies specific to the mumps virus to determine if you have immunity from prior infection or vaccination. IgG antibodies typically develop several weeks after exposure and remain present long-term, indicating immune memory (Mayo Clinic 2025). This test is essential for confirming protection against mumps, a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets.
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone needing to confirm mumps immunity for institutional requirements, including students, healthcare workers, and international travelers. This test is particularly valuable for adults with incomplete vaccination records or those at risk of exposure in outbreak situations (Michigan DHHS 2024). Healthcare providers, childcare workers, and college students in close-contact settings especially benefit from verified immunity status.
When should I order a Mumps Blood Test, IgG?
Order this test if you lack vaccination records, need proof of immunity for school or work requirements, or want to assess your protection before travel or during outbreaks. It's also recommended if you've been exposed to mumps and want to confirm your immunity status (California Department of Public Health 2024). Consider testing if you're uncertain about your vaccination history or need documentation for institutional requirements.
How do I interpret the results?
IgG Result: Positive
- What it means: Immune (past infection or vaccination)
- Typical action: No vaccination needed
IgG Result: Negative
- What it means: Not immune; susceptible to mumps
- Typical action: Consider MMR vaccination
IgG Result: Borderline
- What it means: Uncertain immunity status
- Typical action: Retest or consult healthcare provider
A positive IgG result provides strong evidence of immunity, but breakthrough infections can rarely occur even in immune individuals.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast, but inform the lab staff of any recent vaccinations or current symptoms. Recent vaccination may affect antibody levels, so timing matters for accurate interpretation (Public Health Ontario 2024). Bring identification and any relevant medical history to your appointment.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial immunity verification:Suggested interval: Once (unless negative)
- Healthcare worker screening: Suggested interval: Per institutional requirements
- Post-exposure assessment: Suggested interval: 2–4 weeks after exposure
- Travel requirements: Suggested interval: As needed for destinations
Why early detection matters
Confirming immunity status prevents outbreaks and reduces public health costs. Mumps cases declined by over 99% after vaccine introduction, but outbreaks still occur in close-contact settings (CDC 2024). Early detection of susceptible individuals allows for timely vaccination and outbreak prevention. Understanding your immunity status empowers proactive health decisions and protects vulnerable community members.
Related tests you may consider
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile Blood Test – Detects antibodies to common infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella, to help confirm immunity.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Varicella (VZV) Immunity Blood Test Panel - Detects antibodies to common infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella zoster, to help confirm immunity.
B Pertussis IgG, IgM, and IgA Antibodies Blood Test – Detects IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies produced in response to a Bordetella pertussis infection.
