Rubella Antibodies Blood Test, IgG

Rubella Antibodies Blood Test, IgG detect antibodies that are made by the immune system to help kill the rubella virus.

Description

Rubella is an infectious virus which is typically spread by the infected person coughing or sneezing.  Rubella causes a fine red rash which appears on the face and neck before traveling to the torso and limbs.  The rash typically disappears after a few days.  Other symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, runny nose and red eyes.  Rubella infections are typically mild and clear up on their own.  The greatest risk from Rubella is to pregnant women.  If the virus is passed to their infant, it can cause miscarriage, birth defects and developmental disabilities.  Most people in the United States are vaccinated against Rubella when they are children.

The rubella titer is typically ordered when a person is required to show proof of immunity for work or school.  It is also common for this test to be taken by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to ensure they are immune and not at risk of contracting the virus during pregnancy. 

Because the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is given to most children, rubella is much less common now. Almost everyone who receives the vaccine has immunity to rubella. Immunity means that your body has built a defense to the rubella virus.

In some adults, the vaccine may wear off. This means they are not fully protected. Women who may become pregnant and other adults may receive a booster shot.

Children and adults who were never vaccinated against rubella may still get this infection.