Alberta Precision Laboratories

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Organization:

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Test Name/Synonym:

Rubella
(Synonym: German Measles)

Pathogen:

Rubella virus

Test Includes:

Serology (IgM and IgG antibody)
NAT/PCR

Ordering Alert:

3rd party testing is available for approved APL 3rd party clients only (Rubella Immunity Serology - IgG - 3rd Party LAB10496)

LABID (Connect Care):

Rubella Virus Acute Serology - IgM - LAB865
Rubella Immunity Serology - IgG - LAB49602
Rubella Immunity Serology - IgG - 3rd Party - LAB10496
Rubella Virus NAT/PCR (Referred Test) - LAB9954

Minimum Collection Volume:

Serology: 1 mL serum

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Suspected acute infection
Collect all of the following samples

IgM antibody
- Adult: 5 mL GOLD SST
- Pediatric: 2 mL RED

NAT/PCR
- Throat swab in Universal Transport Medium (UTM)
- Urine (10-20 ml), first voided sample in a sterile container

Immunity determination (IgG antibody) – includes 3rd party

Adult: 5 mL GOLD SST
Pediatric: 2 mL RED

Test Resources:

Serology and Molecular Testing Requisition
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/frm-20676.pdf

IgM will only be performed if clinical history of suspected rash illness or acute infection is provided on the requisition.

Method and Interpretation of Results:

Range	Immunity interpretation
Less than 10 IU/mL	Indicates probable absence of immunity. Individuals should be offered a Rubella-containing vaccine if their history of immunization is uncertain.
Greater than or equal to 10 IU/mL	Indicates immunity
Greater than or equal to 10 IU/mL for patients less than 12 months of age	The presence of the Rubella IgG antibody may represent passive transfer of maternal antibody.

Routine Turn Around Time:

Serology: 3 days

NAT/PCR Detection:13 days

Testing Area:

Virology

Performing Site:

Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (Calgary and Edmonton)

Additional Test Information:

Rubella is a notifiable disease in Alberta.

Throat swab and urine will be referred to the National Microbiology Laboratory for NAT/PCR testing if the serological test result is indicative of an acute infection.

Tissue and autopsy/biopsy material may also be referred to National Microbiology Laboratory for further testing.

Contact Comments:

Consult with the Public Health Lab (ProvLab) Microbiologist On-Call prior to sending tissue and autopsy/biopsy material.

Last Updated On:

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Date of Last Review:

Mar 19 2025 12:00AM