What is the diagnostic test to differentiate measles and rubella?

Measles (rubeola) and rubella are both caused by viruses. These infections can cause similar symptoms; therefore, a laboratory test is needed to confirm the exact cause of the infection.

One of the laboratory diagnostic tests for measles and rubella is the serologic test—specifically the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Either of the following specimens may be collected for serologic testing:

- Serum collected after the development of a rash

-Paired sera with acute (ideally within the first week of rash onset) and convalescent samples (≥10–14 days after rash onset)

-Oropharyngeal swab

-Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab

-Urine