RUBELLA (GERMAN MEASLES) ANTIBODY, IgM

Rubella is a viral infection that typically begins with a skin rash and fever. Although rubella has been eliminated from the United States due to widespread vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, it can be spread by unvaccinated people who contract the virus abroad before returning to the United States.

Rubella testing is used to diagnose current or prior infection with the virus. Testing can also be performed to determine prior vaccination against rubella. Testing may be performed on a sample of blood or urine, or on a swab taken from the nose or throat.