How to Understand Rubella Antibody Blood Test Results

Rubella is a viral disease, also known as the German measles or 3-day measles. In the United States, children are typically vaccinated for Rubella before they reach five years of age. When a woman gets pregnant, or desires to become pregnant, her physician will often order a Rubella antibody test to ensure they have a sufficient amount, or titer, of antibodies in their immune system. If a woman becomes infected with the Rubella virus when pregnant, it is possible for the fetus to contract the disease, and be at risk for birth defects, stillbirth and miscarriage. It is important to understand the Rubella antibody blood test results to evaluate your risk for becoming infected with the virus.

Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Understand that a Rubella antibody test is checking your immune system for any stored Rubella antibodies. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body, also called immunoglobulins, that will protect you against becoming infected with a specific virus or disease, should you be exposed to it. The body produces different antibodies for different diseases.

• 2

  Locate your test results for the Rubella Antibody test. There should be two types of antibodies tested, the IgM antibodies which test for an active Rubella infection, and the IgG antibodies which test for immunity to the disease.

• 3

  Determine the results for your IgM antibodies. It should read positive or negative. A positive result means you currently have an active Rubella infection, and your body is aggressively fighting the disease. A negative result indicates you do not have an active Rubella infection and are free from the disease.

• 4

  Determine the results for your IgG antibodies. It should read positive or negative. A positive result means you have immunity to the Rubella virus, and are protected from contracting the disease. This could be a result of prior vaccination, or prior Rubella infection. A negative result indicates you have no protection or immunity from contracting the Rubella virus if exposed, and are at risk for becoming ill with the disease.