Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) - IgM

Detection of IgM antibodies to the rubella virus by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA).

Serum or plasma (100 µL minimum) collected within 3 - 28 days of rash onset.

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. Suspected cases of rubella (typically with fever, rash and at least one of the following: arthralgia/ arthritis or lymphadenopathy or conjunctivitis) or history of rubella exposure.
2. Suspected congenital rubella infection (CRI) / congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

Completed Measles, Mumps, and Rubella requisition form. Include date of rash onset, date of fever onset, date of last rubella vaccination (if recent), travel history, date of possible rubella exposure and/or MARS identifier (from the Measles and Rubella Surveillance application on CNPHI) or case number, as applicable.

Please contact the lab in advance of sending samples. The NML is a WHO/PAHO accredited Measles and Rubella Regional Reference Laboratory.

Testing is done using the Siemens Enzygnost Anti-Rubella Virus/IgM commercial ELISA assay (1). Positive IgM results are indicative of an acute rubella infection.

21 calendar days. Turnaround time can be as short as 3 calendar days, with proper notification.

1. Tipples GA, R Hamkar, T Mohktari-Azad, M Gray, J Ball, C Head and S Ratnam. Evaluation of rubella IgM enzyme immunoassays. J Clin Virol 2004; 30: 233-238.
2. Best JM, S O'Shea, G. Tipples, N Davies, SM Al-Khusaiby, A Krause, LM Hesketh, L Jin, G Enders. Interpretation of rubella serology in pregnancy - pitfalls and problems. BMJ. 2002 Jul 20;325(7356) 147-8. Review.
3. Robinson JL, BE Lee, JK Preiksaitis, S Plitt, GA Tipples. Prevention of congenital rubella syndrome - What makes sense in 2006? Epidemiologic Reviews. 2006;28:81-87.
4. Tipples GA. Rubella diagnostic issues in Canada. J Infect Dis. 2011; Suppl 2: S659-S663.
5. World Health Organization. Manual for the laboratory diagnosis of measles and rubella virus infection. 2007. WHO/IVB/07.01
6. Tipples G, J Hiebert. Detection of measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Methods Mol Biol. 2011; 665: 183-193.