Rubella Virus IgG Antibody – BC277
🤰 Immunity & Pregnancy ScreenReport: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC277
The Rubella IgG Antibody test is a blood test that checks for the presence of IgG antibodies to the Rubella virus (German measles). IgG antibodies are part of the body's long-term immune memory. Their presence indicates immunity to Rubella, either from a past infection or from vaccination.
✔ An essential part of pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy screening (TORCH Panel).
✔ A positive result confirms that a woman is immune to Rubella and protected.
✔ A negative result indicates susceptibility to the infection.
✔ A simple, non-invasive blood test with same-day reporting.
IgG: Your Shield Against Rubella
Rubella, or German measles, is typically a mild viral illness. However, if a woman contracts Rubella for the first time while pregnant, especially during the first trimester, the consequences can be catastrophic for the developing fetus. It can lead to **Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)**, which causes severe birth defects including deafness, cataracts, heart problems, and developmental delay. The Rubella IgG antibody test is a simple yet powerful tool to prevent this.
IgG antibodies are the "memory" cells of your immune system. They are produced after a natural infection has resolved or after a successful vaccination. These antibodies provide long-term, protective immunity. This test checks for the presence of this protective shield.
Interpreting Your Rubella IgG Result
The result of this test is straightforward and provides crucial information, especially for women of childbearing age:
- Positive IgG Result: This is a good result. It means your body has protective antibodies against Rubella. You are considered **immune**. If you are pregnant, this result provides reassurance that you are protected from a new infection.
- Negative IgG Result: This means you have no detectable antibodies and are **not immune** to Rubella. You are susceptible to the infection. If you are not pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. It is crucial to avoid getting pregnant for at least one month after receiving the vaccine.
This test is fundamentally a check of your immune status and is one of the most important components of prenatal care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This is a standard test for women who are planning to get pregnant or who are in the early stages of pregnancy. Its purpose is to confirm if you are immune to Rubella (German measles) to protect your future baby from birth defects.
A positive result is good. It means you are immune to Rubella, either because you had the infection in the past or because you were vaccinated. You are protected from catching it again.
A negative result means you are not immune. If you are not currently pregnant, your doctor will advise you to get the MMR vaccine to protect yourself and your future pregnancies. You will need to avoid pregnancy for at least one month after vaccination.
The IgG test checks for "memory" antibodies and indicates long-term immunity. The IgM test checks for "first responder" antibodies and is used to diagnose a current or very recent active infection.
No, fasting is not required for the Rubella IgG antibody blood test.