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Rubeola IgG (Measles) Antibodies

Principle

Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious infection caused by an RNA myxovirus. The incubation period is 10 to 11 days, and the infection is characterized by fever, myalgias, nonproductive cough, conjunctivitis, and exanthema with enanthem (Koplik’s spots). The rash typically begins on the face and spreads to the trunk and extremities. The illness usually peaks around day three of fever, with temperature returning to normal by day seven.

This test aids in assessing the patient’s immune response to measles. The presence of specific antibodies in a single specimen indicates past measles infection or vaccination. Demonstration of a significant increase in antibody titers in paired sera collected 7–14 days apart supports the diagnosis of acute infection.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum (red-top tube with no additive or serum separator tube, SST)

Collection

Separate serum from clot as soon as possible to prevent hemolysis.

Processing

Separate serum from clot as soon as possible to prevent hemolysis.

Storage and Transport

Store/transport at 15–30°C for ≤8 hours; 2–8°C for ≤48 hours; freeze at ≤ –20°C if delayed. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

Unacceptable Specimens

Hemolyzed or unseparated specimens.

Method

ELISA

Normal Range

Cinical Interpretation

  • Negative for Rubeola (Presumed Non-Immume): <15.0 EU/mL
  • Equivocal: 15.0-19.9 EU/mL
  • Positive for Rubeola IgG (Presumed Immune): >= 20.0 EU/mL

The following results were obtained with the Diamedix Immnosimplicity Measles IgG EIA Test System. The magnitude of the measured result, above the cut-off, is not indicative of antibody present. The magnitude of the reported IgG level cannot be correlated to an end-point titer.

Turnaround Time

One Week

References

  • Snyder RC, Gaskins SE, Pieroni RE. Rubeola. American Family Physician. 1988;37:175–178.
  • Carter MJ, ter Meulen V. Measles. In: Zuckerman AJ, Bantavala JE, Pattison JR (eds). Principles and Practice of Clinical Virology. John Wiley & Sons Ltd; 1987:291–314.
  • Salmi AA. Measles Virus. In: Baron EJ, Pfaller MA, Tenover FC, Yolken RH (eds). Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 6th ed. ASM Press; 1999:956–962.

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