Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum
Instructions Allow specimen to clot at room temperature and then centrifuge. Immediately separate from cells and refrigerate at 2-8°C.
Transport Container No additive (red-top) tube
Transport Temperature Refrigerated, stability 3 days
Reject Criteria Received frozen
Methodology CLIA
Clinical Significance Rubella is an acute exanthematous viral infection of children and adults. Rash, fever and lymphadenopathy characterize the illness. While many infections are subclinical, this virus has the potential to cause fetal infection with resultant birth defects. Diagnosis of a rubella infection is best made serologically. In the absence of a current or recent infection, a demonstration of specific IgG on a serum sample is evidence of immunity to rubella.