| Test: | Rubella Virus Antibody, IgM |
| Synonym: | Rubella antibody titer, German measles, antibody |
| Method: | Semi-Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay |
| Availability: | Test performed daily, Reported within 24 hours |
| Specimen: | Whole blood |
| Collection Device: | Serum Separator Tube (SST). Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and required 2 patient identifiers on specimen container and requisition forms |
| Volume: | (Min: 0.5 mL) |
| Storage/Transport: | Prior to and during shipment: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to a clean tube. Refrigerate 4-8°C Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport: All screw-top tubes must be sealed with parafilm or tape. Vacutainer tubes do not require parafilm or tape to seal. Package and ship as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Place in biohazard bag with absorbent material. Refrigerated specimen should be shipped on frozen gel-packs. Transport by NPHL ground courier (NPHL brown shipper not required). If courier not available, contact Client Services (866) 290-1406 to arrange pickup. See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/ |
| Unacceptable: | Contaminated, heat-inactivated, or grossly hemolyzed specimens. |
| Specimen Stability: | Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles) |
| Reference Interval: | Not detected |
| Reportable Disease: | Positive results are reported xx to local or state health department. Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases |
| Comments: | Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444. Not recommended as a stand-alone test. Rubella Antibodies, IgG and IgM is preferred. Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of acute specimens. Label specimens plainly as acute or convalescent. Testing immediately post-exposure is of no value without a later convalescent specimen. While the presence of IgM antibodies suggests current or recent infection, low levels of IgM antibodies may occasionally persist for more than 12 months post-infection or immunization. The magnitude of the measured result is not indicative of the amount of antibody present. |
| Revised: | 7/11/2019 |