Use

For the in vitro detection of IgM antibodies specific for rubella. IgM antibodies are associated with acute viral infections. IgM detection is useful in the following situations: evidence of infection can be obtained from only one acute phase specimen if the IgM results are positive; the IgM test can also be used to differentiate between primary infection and re-exposure. Rubella-specific IgM is found in virtually all infected patients by three weeks postdevelopment of a rash. Rubella-specific IgM is also found in 80% of postvaccination patients by three weeks. Congenitally infected infants will show an IgM response at 2 to 12 weeks postnatally.