Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Rubella virus Index value
BPHL validated a qualitative panel to test the level of antibodies for rubella utilizing an ELISA assay.
Analyte(s)
Rubella
Test Code
1721
A panel of measles, mumps, and rubella IgG can be ordered under 1756, MMR index value.
Testing Location
Testing Department
Virology
Pre-approval Required?
No. Contact the local county health department (CHD).
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847 if not utilizing an electronic test order.
Turn around Time
7-14 business days after receipt at the laboratory.
Minimum Volume
3-5 mL of serum
Unsatisfactory specimen
1. Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
2. Specimen was not labeled with at least 2 unique patient identifiers
3. Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
4. Specimen leaked in transit
5. Specimen was received out of the acceptable temperature range
6. Received greater than 7 days after collection at 2-8° C
Collection Media
Serum: red or tiger top serum separator (SST) or vacutainer
Specimen Sources
Acute serum
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and the date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
A panel of measles, mumps, and rubella IgG can be ordered under 1756, MMR index value.
Storage Conditions
Store specimens at 2-8° C or frozen at less than or equal to -20° C until shipment. Ship within 4 days of collection.
Packaging and Shipping
Specimens must be shipped overnight at 2-8° C or frozen on dry ice at less than or equal to -20° C. If you store the sample frozen, it must be shipped frozen to avoid a freeze thaw cycle.
You must select “Saturday delivery” on packages shipped on Friday.
Couriered samples must be transported in a cooler with frozen ice packs to arrive at the laboratory between 2-8° C. Laboratory staff will check the temperature of the cooler upon arrival before accepting specimens.
Interferences and Limitations
Do not use the antibody titer of a single serum specimen to determine recent infection.
Interpret a positive rubella IgG test in neonates with caution since passively acquired maternal antibody can persist up to 6 months.
Reference Range
No virus detected
Result Indicator
Positive with index value
Negative
Equivocal
Reference lab
None
Reflex testing
None