Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) - IgG

Detection of IgG antibodies to the rubella virus by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), including measurement of IgG titres.

Serum or plasma (100 µL minimum) collected as soon as possible after rash onset. For seroconversion, submit acute and convalescent sera. Acute serum should be collected immediately upon disease onset (within the first 7 days) and convalescent serum should be collected 10 to 30 days later.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes (SST) or EDTA tubes.

Follow standard laboratory techniques to prepare serum or plasma. Store at 4°C and ship at room temperature or on wet ice for arrival at the NML within 3 days of collection. Otherwise, freeze (-20°C or below) and ship frozen on dry ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

1. Patient with rubella IgM positive serology result, recent rubella vaccination, or recent contact with laboratory confirmed case of rubella.
2. For seroconversion: suspected rubella case without an RT-PCR result and a negative or unreliable IgM result.

Completed Measles, Mumps, and Rubella requisition form. Include date of rash onset, date of fever onset, number of doses of rubella vaccine received, date of last rubella vaccination, travel history, date of rubella exposure, as applicable.

Special request only. Kits are ordered on an as needed basis so please contact the lab in advance of sending samples for testing. The NML is a WHO/PAHO accredited Measles and Rubella Regional Reference Laboratory.

Testing is done using an evaluated commercial ELISA assay. A four-fold rise in IgG titre is indicative of a true infection.

21 calendar days. Turnaround time can be as short as 3 calendar days, with proper notification and provided the lab has kits in stock.

1. Dimech W, Panagiotopoulos L, Francis B, Laven N, Marler J, Dickeson D, Panayotou T, Wilson K, Wootten R, Dax EM. Evaluation of eight anti-rubella virus immunoglobulin g immunoassays that report results in international units per milliliter. J Clin Microbiol. 2008; 46(6):1955-60.
2. World Health Organization. Manual for the laboratory diagnosis of measles and rubella virus infection. 2007. WHO/IVB/07.01
3. Tipples G, J Hiebert. Detection of measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Methods Mol Biol. 2011; 665: 183-193.