Rubella virus: Diagnosis of congenital Rubella infection of the child

Description of tests  

• Serological techniques: Detection of IgM in the newborn (cord blood and/or neonatal blood). Serological follow-up of IgG antibodies during the first year of life
• Molecular techniques: detection of Rubella virus in neonatal blood and urine by PCR.
• For analyses on other samples please contact the reference centre first 

Purpose of tests

To confirm or rule out congenital Rubella infection in the newborn. 

Criteria for performing this test  

The reference centre can perform these analyses on :

• Newborns of women who have experienced proven or suspected Rubella infection during pregnancy
• In newborns with clinical signs of congenital Rubella infection at birth, and have insufficient or no information on the serological status of the mother during pregnancy.

Need for sampling in the newborn during the first days of life. 

Instructions for samples and transport

For serology: at least 0.5 ml of serum, is required to allow all necessary tests to be performed:

• For unfrozen serum: transport at room temperature
• For frozen serum: preferably transport in frozen condition.

For molecular techniques

Urine 1 ml; neonatal blood: EDTA 500µL-1 ml to be stored at 4°C; ship at room temperature no later than the day after collection

Unacceptable requests

• Incomplete request form
• Sample not suitable for analysis
• Incorrect transport/storage 

Turn around time  

Response time: 1 to 5 working days (contact the laboratory in case of emergency)

Reporting of test results

The reference centre reports the results and comments and sends it to the requesting laboratory by post, fax or via medibridge (UZBrussels)