Rubella Virus

Rubella Virus Culture Blood Test is used to detect the presence of the rubella virus in the blood. This test helps to determine whether a person has a rubella infection or not.

What is a Rubella infection?

Rubella or German measles is an infection caused by the rubella virus. Rubella and measles are not the same infections, though the two illnesses do share some characteristics or similar signs and symptoms. This infection can spread from one person to another through contact with an infected individual and transmitted by coughs. Signs and symptoms of rubella usually develop about 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus. The signs and symptoms of rubella infection are mild fever, runny or stuffy nose, headache, itchy or red eyes, joint aches, enlarged and tender lymph nodes, pink rash on the face, arms and legs, etc.

Rubella infection in pregnant women is a dangerous condition. It can increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. Rubella virus can pass across the placenta and affect the developing baby (fetus). If a pregnant woman is infected with the rubella virus, it can lead to a condition called congenital rubella syndrome in the unborn baby. This condition can cause severe birth defects such as deafness, intellectual disabilities, cataracts, heart defects, low birth weight, skin rash, glaucoma (an eye disease), brain damage, thyroid problems, liver and spleen damage, etc. There is no cure for rubella infection and therefore all women are advised to get vaccinated before they get pregnant.

Rubella is usually diagnosed by checking the presence of a rubella virus or its genetic material (DNA or RNA) and also by the presence of antibodies in the blood that forms in response to infection. The virus attaches to the cell membrane of the host individual and injects the genetic material (DNA or RNA) to start an infection. The virus gets matured within the cell and is released by rupture of the cell. The new viruses start attacking other cells and then multiplies. There is no specific treatment for rubella, but the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine can prevent it. Taking a vaccination may prevent the disease.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to screen or diagnose the presence of rubella infection. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if he suspects a rubella infection or if you experience any signs and symptoms of rubella such as mild fever, runny or stuffy nose, headache, itchy or red eyes, joint aches, enlarged and tender lymph nodes, pink rash on the face, arms and legs, etc. You may be advised to perform this test if you come in contact with a person with rubella infection.

This test is also recommended in women before or at the beginning of a pregnancy. In pregnant women, your doctor may ask to perform this test if he suspects a rubella infection or in case of any signs and symptoms of rubella such as mild fever, pink rash on the face, arms and legs, or when there are any signs of abnormal development or birth defects in the developing baby (fetus).

No specific preparation is required for this test. However, follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.