Question 1

What is Rubella Immunity?

Accepted Answer

Rubella immunity is protection against the rubella virus, a contagious infection that causes serious birth defects during pregnancy. It is caused by previous exposure to the rubella virus through vaccination or natural infection, which produces protective IgG antibodies. The Rubella Immune Status test is the most important test for determining immunity because it directly measures IgG antibody levels in your blood.

Question 2

What causes rubella immunity?

Accepted Answer

Rubella immunity is caused by exposure to the rubella virus through either vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or natural infection. When your body encounters the rubella virus, your immune system produces IgG antibodies that remain in your bloodstream and provide long-lasting protection against future infections. Most people in the United States develop immunity through childhood vaccination, though immunity can wane over time in some individuals.

Question 3

What is the best test for rubella immunity?

Accepted Answer

The Rubella Immune Status test is the most important test for rubella immunity because it measures IgG antibodies against the rubella virus in your blood. This specific antibody test determines whether you have protective immunity from past vaccination or infection. Positive IgG antibody levels confirm immunity, while negative or low levels indicate susceptibility to infection and the need for vaccination. This single blood test provides a clear answer about your protection status and helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about vaccination recommendations, especially for women planning pregnancy or healthcare workers requiring immunity verification.

Question 4

When should I get tested for rubella immunity?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested for rubella immunity if you are a woman planning to become pregnant, currently pregnant without confirmed immunity, or work in healthcare settings where immunity verification is required. Testing is also important if you missed childhood vaccinations, were born before routine rubella vaccination began, or need documentation of immunity for school, work, or international travel. Getting tested before pregnancy is especially critical because rubella infection during the first trimester can cause severe birth defects in developing babies.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of rubella infection?

Accepted Answer

Rubella infection typically causes a mild red or pink rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body, lasting about three days. You might notice swollen lymph nodes behind the ears and neck, low-grade fever, headache, mild pink eye, and general discomfort. Many adults experience joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the fingers, wrists, and knees. However, up to 50% of people infected with rubella have no symptoms at all, which makes immunity testing crucial rather than relying on symptom history.

Question 6

Who is at risk for rubella infection?

Accepted Answer

People who have never been vaccinated against rubella or who received only one dose of MMR vaccine are at highest risk for infection. Women of childbearing age without confirmed immunity, healthcare workers, teachers, daycare staff, and international travelers to countries with active rubella transmission face increased exposure risk. Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to widespread natural infection before vaccines became available, but those born between 1957 and 1970 may have been vaccinated with less effective early vaccines and could benefit from immunity testing.

Question 7

What happens if rubella infection occurs during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Rubella infection during the first trimester of pregnancy causes congenital rubella syndrome in up to 90% of babies, resulting in severe birth defects including deafness, cataracts, heart defects, intellectual disabilities, and organ damage. Babies can also experience growth delays, liver and spleen damage, and bleeding disorders. Infection later in pregnancy carries lower but still significant risks. This is why confirming immunity before pregnancy through blood testing is essential, and why women without immunity should be vaccinated and wait at least one month before trying to conceive.

Question 8

Can rubella immunity be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Rubella immunity is diagnosed specifically through a blood test that measures IgG antibodies against the rubella virus. This blood test is the only reliable way to confirm immunity status because you cannot determine protection through physical examination or symptom history alone. The test requires a simple blood draw, and results typically indicate whether you have sufficient antibodies for immunity. Unlike some conditions where blood tests are supplementary, the rubella antibody blood test is the definitive diagnostic tool for determining protection status.

Question 9

How is rubella immunity achieved?

Accepted Answer

Rubella immunity is achieved through vaccination with the MMR vaccine, which is typically given in two doses during childhood at ages 12-15 months and 4-6 years. Adults without immunity can receive the vaccine at any time, though pregnant women must wait until after delivery. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the rubella virus that stimulates your immune system to produce protective antibodies without causing disease. If blood testing shows you lack immunity, vaccination provides protection within 2-3 weeks, but you should avoid pregnancy for at least one month after receiving the vaccine.

Question 10

How can I prevent rubella infection?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of rubella infection depends primarily on vaccination with the MMR vaccine, which provides over 97% protection after two doses. If you are unsure of your immunity status, get tested and vaccinated if needed before planning pregnancy. Avoid close contact with people who have rubella infection, practice good hand hygiene, and do not share utensils or drinking glasses with infected individuals. Healthcare workers should confirm immunity through blood testing and receive vaccination if necessary. If you are pregnant and exposed to rubella, contact your healthcare provider immediately for testing and monitoring.

Question 11

What can I do at home if I have rubella infection?

Accepted Answer

If you have rubella infection, isolate yourself at home for at least seven days after the rash appears to avoid spreading the virus to others, especially pregnant women. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and use acetaminophen for fever and discomfort (avoid aspirin in children). Apply cool compresses to reduce rash discomfort and keep the room comfortably cool. Notify anyone you have been in contact with, particularly pregnant women or those who may be immunocompromised. Most importantly, if you are pregnant and develop rubella symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and monitoring of potential fetal complications.

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.

Rubella Immunity Blood Test

What is Rubella Immunity?

What causes rubella immunity?

What is the best test for rubella immunity?

When should I get tested for rubella immunity?

References

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