Rubella Virus - IgM

Also known as German Measles - IgM

₹590

This test is for

Male, Female

Earliest reports in

18 hours

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Rubella Virus - IgM

What is Rubella Virus - IgM?

Rubella virus IgM test is done to detect a recent infection of the virus. IgM antibodies are the first type of antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection. Therefore this test helps in early diagnosis of the infection. Rubella is a viral infection that lasts about 2-3 days, hence is also known as 3-day measles test.
A rubella test may be ordered for a person experiencing symptoms of mild fever, stuffy nose, and red rashes. In case of pregnant women, this infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome.
Rubella virus testing is commonly advised as a part of prenatal testing as well.

What is Rubella Virus - IgM used for?

Rubella Virus - IgM test is done:

As a screening test in pregnancy
In case of symptoms of rubella such as fever and rash
In the case of newborns showing abnormal signs of development or birth defects
To detect recent or past rubella infection

What does Rubella Virus - IgM measure?

Rubella test detects the presence of antibodies produced by the body’s immune system against the rubella virus. The infection is confirmed by the laboratory test. Rubella virus causes an infection in the body in which there are fever and rash for 2-3 days. This infection can easily spread to another person (highly contagious) but can be prevented with a vaccine.

The virus gets spread if a healthy person comes in contact with an infected person via coughing or sneezing. It starts with a red rash which appears on the face and neck and then spreads to the trunk and limbs before disappearing after a few days. Other symptoms which can be caused by the rubella virus infection apart from fever and rash include enlarged lymph nodes, red eyes, runny nose, and pain in joints. It is important to know that, the symptoms caused by this virus are very minimal especially in case of small children. In general, these symptoms do not come into notice, as the infection goes away after a few days without any treatment and do not cause any complications.

In the case of pregnant women, if the infection occurs in the first three months of pregnancy, the fetus might get affected being most vulnerable to the virus during this time. In such cases, this virus can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS comprises of serious birth defects that will cause permanent harm to the child such as intellectual and developmental disabilities, cloudiness of the lens of eyes, deafness, an abnormally small head, heart defects, and liver problems.

Interpreting Rubella Virus - IgM results

Interpretations

Result in AU/mL	Avidity
< 20.0	Non reactive
20.0 - 25.0	Equivocal
> 25.0	Reactive

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rubella Virus - IgM

Frequently Asked Questions about Rubella Virus - IgM

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. When is Rubella Virus - IgM test advised?

The Rubella Virus - IgM test is advised in women who are planning to conceive or are already pregnant. The newborns may also have to take the test if the mother has been exposed to rubella infection. Along with that, this test is recommended for babies with birth defects (as the reason could be rubella infection), persons having symptoms of rubella virus infection, students starting college, and healthcare workers exposed to rubella virus infection and are not vaccinated for the same.

Q. How many types of rubella antibodies can be detected by the lab tests?

Two types of rubella antibodies can be detected by lab tests which include IgM and IgG. IgM antibody is the first one to appear in response to initial exposure to the rubella virus. It rises to peak in the blood within about 7 to 10 days after infection and then drops down after a few weeks. However, in case of newborns this antibody can be detected for a longer period of time. Once IgM is in the blood the second IgG rubella antibody starts to appear. This antibody stays for life and provides protection against re-infection. If IgG antibodies are detected in the blood, it indicates a recent or past rubella infection. Also, it is indicative that the person has received rubella vaccine.

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

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