Rubella is caused by the rubella virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus enters through the nose or throat and multiplies in the lymph nodes before spreading throughout the body. Rubella is highly contagious, and people can spread the virus from about one week before the rash appears until about one week after, making it particularly dangerous for pregnant women who can pass the infection to their unborn babies.

What is the best test for rubella?

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile is the most important test for rubella because it detects Rubella IgG antibodies in your blood, which indicate whether you have immunity from vaccination or past infection. This blood test is essential for confirming your protection status before pregnancy, verifying that your vaccination worked, or diagnosing a current infection. The test measures specific antibodies that your immune system produces in response to the rubella virus, providing clear answers about your immune status. For women planning pregnancy, this test is crucial because rubella infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.

When should I get tested for rubella?

You should get tested if you are planning to become pregnant and do not know your immunity status, have been exposed to someone with rubella, or work in healthcare or childcare settings where exposure risk is higher. Women of childbearing age should particularly consider testing before conception since rubella infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome in babies. You should also get tested if you develop a rash with fever and swollen lymph nodes, especially if you have traveled internationally or been around someone diagnosed with rubella.

What are the symptoms of rubella?

Rubella symptoms typically include a distinctive red or pink rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body, lasting about three days. You might notice mild fever, headache, runny nose, red and itchy eyes, and swollen lymph nodes behind the ears and at the back of the neck. Many people, especially children, have such mild symptoms they do not even realize they have rubella, which is why blood testing is so important for confirming immunity status.

Who is at risk for rubella?

Anyone who has not been vaccinated against rubella or has not had the infection is at risk, particularly unvaccinated pregnant women whose babies can develop severe birth defects. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune because rubella was so widespread before the vaccine became available. International travelers visiting countries where rubella vaccination rates are low face higher exposure risk, as do healthcare workers, teachers, and childcare providers who work closely with children and potentially infected individuals.

What happens if rubella is left untreated?

In most children and adults, rubella resolves on its own without serious complications, though some people may develop joint pain or arthritis that lasts several weeks. The greatest danger is congenital rubella syndrome when a pregnant woman contracts rubella, especially during the first trimester, which can cause deafness, cataracts, heart defects, intellectual disabilities, and other serious birth defects in the baby. Rare complications in adults include encephalitis (brain inflammation) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), making immunity verification through blood testing critical for preventing these outcomes.

Can rubella be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, rubella can be diagnosed with a blood test that detects rubella antibodies, specifically IgG and IgM antibodies. The presence of IgG antibodies indicates immunity from past infection or vaccination, while IgM antibodies suggest a recent or current infection. Blood testing is more reliable than clinical diagnosis alone because rubella symptoms can resemble other viral infections, and many people have mild or no symptoms at all, making laboratory confirmation essential for accurate diagnosis and immunity verification.

How is rubella treated?

Rubella has no specific antiviral treatment, and care focuses on managing symptoms with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen. Most people recover completely within a week without medical intervention. Pregnant women who contract rubella require close monitoring throughout pregnancy to assess potential effects on the baby. The best approach is prevention through vaccination with the MMR vaccine, which provides long-lasting immunity and has nearly eliminated rubella in countries with high vaccination rates.

How can I prevent rubella?

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent rubella, with two doses providing about 97% protection. Children typically receive the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years of age. Adults who have not been vaccinated or do not know their immunity status should get tested and vaccinated if needed, especially women planning pregnancy. Avoiding contact with infected individuals and practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, can also reduce transmission risk.

What can I do at home for rubella?

At home, get plenty of rest and drink fluids to stay hydrated while your body fights the infection. You can use acetaminophen to reduce fever and discomfort, but avoid aspirin, especially in children, due to the risk of Reye syndrome. Stay isolated from others, particularly pregnant women, for at least seven days after the rash appears to prevent spreading the virus. Apply a cool, damp cloth to the rash if it becomes itchy, and keep the room comfortably cool since heat can worsen discomfort.

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.

How do I know which test to get?

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.

When will my lab results be available?

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.

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?

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.

Do you accept health insurance?

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.

Can I cancel my order?

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.

How can I find a lab location near me?

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.

Rubella Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Rubella Blood Test

What is Rubella?

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious viral infection caused by the rubella virus. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets and can cause serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile is the most important test for determining rubella immunity status and diagnosing infection.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

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!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com