Rubella IgG Test

What is Rubella?

Rubella, which is also known as the German Measles or the 3-day measles is a viral infection caused by the Rubella Virus. It is congenital and infectious but not as serious as red measles(common measles). It is characterized by red rashes all over the body. During pregnancy, Rubella can be really serious. It can cause a plethora of problems for the baby ranging from sight problems through cardiac issues until hearing imparities.
 
Rubella spreads very easily through close contact and even air. It gets passed from person to person while coughing, sneezing and via droplets, etc.

What is Rubella IgG?

Our immune system produces two kinds of antibodies(the good proteins combatting the infections) in response to the antigens(harmful proteins) of the Rubella Virus. The two antibodies are:

– IgM(antibodies in the blood for 7 to 10 days after the infection).
– IgG 
Rubella IgG is the antibody which stays for a lifetime in the blood. This antibody indicates that the person had suffered from Rubella earlier or had been vaccinated for Rubella.

What is the Rubella IgG Test?

Rubella IgG Test is used to monitor or measure the amount of the Rubella IgG antibodies in the blood of a person who had been infected or who is suspected of Rubella. It determines if the person’s blood has enough Rubella IgG antibody to provide protection from the Rubella Virus. The Rubella IgG levels in the blood also help in determining if the infection was recent or in the past.

Why did my doctor ask me to undergo the Rubella IgG Test?

– If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, your doctor might recommend a Rubella IgG Test to make sure that you have the required amount of rubella IgG antibody in the blood to fight against the Rubella Virus.
 
– A newborn baby whose mother had suffered from Rubella Viral Infection previously is also recommended with the Rubella IgG test by the doctor.
 
– Babies with birth defects are also suggested to undergo the Rubella IgG Test.

When should I go through the Rubella IgG test?

If you are pregnant, you have to undergo the Rubella IgG Test compulsorily. If you are not pregnant, but you are showing symptoms of  Rubella Viral infection, then it is highly recommended to go for a Rubella IgG Test. the most common symptoms of Rubella Viral infection are as follows:

– Red or pink rash that starts on the face and then spreads downward to the rest of the body.
– Mild fever.
– Swollen and tender lymph nodes.
– Runny or stuffy nose.
– Headache.
– Muscle pain.
– Inflamed or red eyes.
– Aching joints.

If you are already vaccinated against Rubella, then you can take this test to determine if you have the required amount of Rubella IgG antibody in the blood.  

What are the preparations needed for the Rubella IgG test?

The Rubella IgG test do not need any specific preparations:

– There’s no requirement of fasting.
– No medications should be stopped.
– No new medications should be included.

What is the procedure of the Rubella IgG Test?

For Rubella IgG Test to be conducted the blood sample is collected by the following procedure:
 
– A tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to make the veins more prominent.
– A syringe or needle is used to draw blood by puncturing the vein.
– The blood is drawn into the tube of the syringe.
– The tourniquet is unwrapped.
– An antiseptic is applied to the spot of venipuncture to avoid any infection.
– The spot of injection of the syringe is dabbed by a cotton swab or a bandage is put to stop any further bleeding.
– The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for the Rubella IgG test.  

Is the Rubella IgG Test procedure painful?

There’s no pain associated with the collection of the blood sample. A person might feel a pin pricking sensation for a very brief moment after the test. The pain goes away within a few hours.

What is the price of the Rubella IgG Test in India?

The price of the Rubella IgG test in India ranges from Rs 650 – 5000. It can vary with various locations around the country.

When will I get my results?

You will get your Rubella IgG Test results within 24 to 36 hours of the test itself.

What does my result depict?

The clinical reference range of Rubella IgG in the body is 7 IU/mL or less.If the range is less than 0.7 IU/mL, the result is negative.

How to interpret the results?

Is it safe for my newborn to undergo Rubella IgG test?

The procedure adopted for the Rubella IgG test is completely safe for your newborn. It has no risks involved except for the minute risks related to the venipuncture.  

When should my newborn undergo Rubella IgG test?

If your baby is born with some birth defects, it is suggested to undergo the Rubella IgG Test to confirm the reasons for the disorders. Rubella IgG Test is also suggested to a newborn showing the symptoms of congenital Rubella Syndrome. Congenital Rubella syndrome occurs if the mother is infected by the Rubella Virus Infection.

What if my newborn has a negative result for Rubella IgG?

The negative results of Rubella IgG in your newborn shows the absence of the IgG antibodies which indicates no protection against the Rubella Virus. This might mean that your newborn has congenital Rubella Syndrome which leads to various disorders and defects. The most common defects of Congenital Rubella Syndrome are as follows:

– Deafness.
– Cataracts.
– Heart defects.
– Intellectual disabilities.
– Liver and spleen damage.
– Low birth weight.
– Skin rash at birth.

The rare defects are as follows:

– Glaucoma.
– Brain damage.
– Thyroid and other hormone problems.
– Inflammation of the lungs.

What is the prevalence of Rubella in India?

Nearly 40,000 cases of Rubella are reported every year in India. According to recent reports, the number has decreased to 25,000 in comparison to last year, 2018 which had nearly 70,000 cases of Rubella Viral Infection.