Rubella Antibody, IgG
CPT Code(s):
86762
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Sodium Citrate plasma; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
3 days
Refrigerated:
14 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Rubella IgG is a specific clinical used to determine a patient's immune status against rubella, a viral infection caused by the rubella virus. It measures the level of specific IgG antibodies in the blood, which are produced in response to a previous rubella infection or vaccination.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Rubella IgG include:
1. Immune Status Assessment: Rubella IgG is primarily used to determine a patient's immune status to rubella. A positive test result indicates the presence of IgG antibodies, suggesting either past rubella infection or prior vaccination. This suggests that the patient is immune to future rubella infections and is less likely to develop symptomatic disease or transmit the infection to others.
2. Screening in Pregnancy: Rubella IgG is commonly included in prenatal screening to assess a woman's immunity to rubella. It is especially important during pregnancy because rubella infection can have serious consequences for the developing fetus, leading to congenital rubella syndrome. A negative Rubella IgG result indicates susceptibility to rubella, and appropriate measures can be taken to protect the woman from exposure during pregnancy.
3. Pre-vaccination Assessment: Rubella IgG is sometimes used to assess an individual's immune status before administering the rubella vaccine. If a person already has sufficient rubella-specific IgG antibodies, indicating prior infection or vaccination, vaccination may not be necessary. This helps to avoid unnecessary immunizations and reduces the risk of adverse reactions.
4. Outbreak Investigations: During rubella outbreaks or in specific populations where rubella immunity is a concern, Rubella IgG can be used for epidemiological purposes. It helps identify susceptible individuals who may be at risk of infection and facilitates appropriate public health interventions such as targeted vaccination campaigns or isolation measures.
It is important to note that a Rubella IgG alone cannot differentiate between a previous infection and vaccination. If there is uncertainty regarding the immune status, additional tests such as Rubella IgM or serological confirmation may be required.
In summary, Rubella IgG is a valuable tool for assessing immune status and guiding clinical decisions related to rubella. It is used for screening pregnant women, pre-vaccination assessment, and outbreak investigations. By identifying individuals with existing immunity, appropriate measures can be taken to prevent rubella-related complications and control the spread of the disease.