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Rubella IgG - Provincial

Discipline

Microbiology

Overview

Description

  • Rubella is a viral illness characterized by a maculopapular rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy.  Transmission typically occurs via droplet or direct contact with nasopharyngeal secretions.

  • Rubella infection during pregnancy presents substantial risk to the developing fetus.

  • The presence of rubella-specific IgG indicates prior exposure to rubella virus or rubella vaccine.

Ordering recommendations

  • Rubella IgG may be ordered to determine patient immune status to the rubella virus.

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Serum

Specimen collection container

  • Serum separator tubes (SST; Tiger top or Gold top)

Collection procedure

  • Serum (SST): Collect blood in serum separator vacutainer (SST). Centrifuge. Aliquot.

Required volume

  • 1mL (minimum)

Transport and stability

  • Serum may be shipped at ambient temperature.

Performance

Methodology

  • Quantitative chemiluminescence immunoassay testing via Abbott Alinity (IU/mL)

  • Reference Ranges:

    • Non-immune: 0 - 4.9 IU/mL
    • Indeterminate: 5.0 - 9.9 IU/mL
    • Immune: >10 IU/mL
  • All serological results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms and, where applicable, vaccination history.

Days/times performed

  • All specimens will be tested at Regina General Hospital (RGH)

Maximum laboratory time

  • Turn-around-time of 3 days from receipt in lab.

Specimen retention time

  • Specimens retained for 3 days after testing.

Last Updated: October 24, 2025