Test Overview
Test Methodology

Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

Test Usage

Support the diagnosis of Rubella virus infection. The presence of IgG antibody generally indicates past exposure and immunity or immunization and immunity. The presence of IgM antibody or a fourfold or greater rise in titer of IgG antibodies in paired sera indicates recent infection. Single IgG levels are not useful for supporting the diagnosis of an acute infection. Elevated levels in neonates should be followed up with studies to rule out the presence of maternal antibodies by demonstrating the absence of an IgM response.

Reference Range *

NON-REACTIVE/Negative: No detectable IgG antibody to Rubella virus. EQUIVOCAL: Presence or absence of IgG antibody to Rubella virus cannot be determined. Another specimen should be sent for analysis in two weeks. REACTIVE/Positive: Detectable levels of IgG antibody to Rubella. Detectable levels of Rubella antibody indicate previous exposure to Rubella virus or immunization.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Post-vaccination samples should be collected 4-6 weeks from the date of vaccination.

The performance characteristics of this test have not been established for CSF, neonates, infants or cord blood. This is a qualitative test; quantitation for comparison of acute and convalescent sera has not been validated by the manufacturer of the current test system. Result values from different methodologies or from different institutions cannot be compared. Timing of specimen collection for paired sera is critical. In some patients, antibody may rise to significant levels and fall again to lower or undetectable levels within a month. Other patients may not develop significant antibody levels.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily, 24 hours
Analytic Time

4 hours

Soft Order Code
RUBG
MiChart Code
Rubella Antibody, IgG
Synonyms
  • RUBG
  • RUBGE
  • Viral Antibody: Rubella Virus IgG
  • Rubella IgG Antibody by IA
  • MMR Vaccine Response
  • Torch Screen
Laboratory
Chemical Pathology
Section
Automation
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen in SST. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate. Post-vaccination samples should be collected 4-6 weeks from the date of vaccination.

Alternate Specimen
Red Top Tube; Green Top Tube (heparinized plasma); Lavender Top Tube (EDTA plasma).
Normal Volume
0.5 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL serum
Rejection Criteria
Other Rejected Containers: Cadaver or other body fluids (eg., CSF, saliva, amniotic, urine, pleural) not acceptable. [rev 3/04; 6/08]
Additional Information

Titers will not be reported. Numerical EIA results for single serum specimens do not reflect the magnitude of the measured result above the cut off and are not indicative of the total amount of antibody present. The magnitude of the reported IgG level cannot be correlated to an endpoint titer. Screening for rubella antibodies by serological methods will establish the immune status of individuals with regard to their resistance or susceptibility to rubella infection.

Billing
CPT Code
86762
Fee Code
20247
LOINC
20458-6