Question 1

What is Congenital Rubella Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) is a serious condition that occurs when a pregnant woman contracts rubella virus and passes it to her developing fetus, causing birth defects. It is caused by the rubella virus crossing the placenta during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. The Rubella Immune Status test is the most important test for preventing CRS because it determines if a woman has protective antibodies before or during pregnancy.

Question 2

What causes Congenital Rubella Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Congenital Rubella Syndrome is caused by the rubella virus (also called German measles) when it infects a pregnant woman and crosses the placenta to infect the developing fetus. The virus is most dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy when the baby's organs are forming. When a non-immune pregnant woman contracts rubella, the virus can cause severe birth defects including heart problems, deafness, blindness, intellectual disabilities, and damage to the liver and spleen.

Question 3

What is the best test for Congenital Rubella Syndrome risk?

Accepted Answer

The Rubella Immune Status test is the most important test for preventing Congenital Rubella Syndrome because it measures rubella antibodies (IgG) in your blood to determine whether you have immunity protection. If the test shows low or absent antibodies, you lack protection and are at risk if you become pregnant and contract rubella. For comprehensive pregnancy planning, the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile is also essential as it evaluates immunity to all three viruses at once and helps identify women who need vaccination before attempting pregnancy.

Question 4

When should I get tested for rubella immunity?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are planning to become pregnant, are in your childbearing years and unsure of your vaccination status, work in healthcare or childcare settings with potential rubella exposure, or are currently pregnant and have never had your immunity checked. Testing is especially important before pregnancy so you can receive the MMR vaccine if needed, as the vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy and you must wait at least one month after vaccination before conceiving.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Congenital Rubella Syndrome in babies?

Accepted Answer

Babies born with Congenital Rubella Syndrome may have multiple birth defects including congenital heart disease (particularly patent ductus arteriosus), cataracts or glaucoma causing vision problems, hearing loss or complete deafness, developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, low birth weight, liver and spleen enlargement, and a characteristic blueberry muffin rash at birth. Some symptoms may not be apparent immediately and can develop over the first few years of life, particularly hearing and vision problems.

Question 6

Who is at risk for having a baby with Congenital Rubella Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Women who lack immunity to rubella and become infected during pregnancy are at risk, especially those who were never vaccinated with the MMR vaccine or did not receive both required doses. Women born outside the United States in countries without routine rubella vaccination programs, those with weakened immune systems, and women who work in healthcare, schools, or childcare facilities with increased virus exposure face higher risk. The risk of fetal damage is highest when infection occurs in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Question 7

What happens if rubella infection during pregnancy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If a pregnant woman contracts rubella and it goes unrecognized or untreated, the virus will almost certainly cross the placenta and infect the fetus, causing severe and permanent birth defects. Up to 85% of babies whose mothers contract rubella in the first trimester will develop Congenital Rubella Syndrome with multiple organ system defects. Unfortunately, there is no treatment to reverse fetal damage once rubella infection occurs during pregnancy, which is why prevention through immunity testing and vaccination before pregnancy is absolutely critical.

Question 8

Can Congenital Rubella Syndrome risk be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for assessing the risk of Congenital Rubella Syndrome. The Rubella Immune Status test measures IgG antibodies to determine if you have immunity from previous vaccination or infection. If you are pregnant and have been exposed to rubella, your doctor may order additional tests to detect IgM antibodies, which indicate recent or active infection. These blood tests help identify women who need vaccination before pregnancy or require close monitoring if exposed to rubella while pregnant.

Question 9

How is Congenital Rubella Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

There is no cure for Congenital Rubella Syndrome once a baby is born with the condition, and treatment focuses on managing the specific birth defects and complications. Babies may need heart surgery for cardiac defects, hearing aids or cochlear implants for deafness, cataract surgery for vision problems, and early intervention services including physical therapy, speech therapy, and special education. Prevention through maternal immunity testing and vaccination before pregnancy is the only way to truly address CRS, as there is no treatment to prevent or reverse fetal damage once maternal infection occurs.

Question 10

How can I prevent Congenital Rubella Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The most effective prevention is getting tested for rubella immunity before pregnancy and receiving the MMR vaccine if you lack protection. You must wait at least one month after vaccination before trying to conceive. If you are already pregnant and not immune, avoid contact with anyone who has rubella or a rash illness, practice good hand hygiene, and alert your healthcare provider immediately if you are exposed to someone with rubella. Women who received only one dose of MMR vaccine as a child should get a second dose to ensure full immunity.

Question 11

What can I do at home to protect against Congenital Rubella Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The most important step you can take at home is to verify your vaccination records and get tested for rubella immunity if you are planning pregnancy or unsure of your status. Maintain good hygiene practices including frequent handwashing, especially if you are around children who may carry the virus. Avoid close contact with anyone showing signs of illness including rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. If you are pregnant and not immune, limit exposure to crowded places during rubella outbreaks and educate family members about the importance of their own MMR vaccination to create a protective environment around you.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Congenital Rubella Syndrome Blood Test

What is Congenital Rubella Syndrome?

What causes Congenital Rubella Syndrome?

What is the best test for Congenital Rubella Syndrome risk?

When should I get tested for rubella immunity?

References

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