Rubella immunity blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Rubella, sometimes called German measles, is usually a mild viral illness in children and adults. It matters most in pregnancy, because infection in the early weeks can cause serious harm to the developing baby, known as congenital rubella syndrome. Thanks to the MMR vaccine, rubella is now very rare in the UK.

This test measures rubella IgG, the antibody that indicates immunity from vaccination or past infection. It is designed to check protection rather than to diagnose a current infection, which needs different tests arranged through your GP or midwife.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You are planning a pregnancy and want to know whether you are protected before you conceive.
• You are not sure whether you had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
• Your employer or course requires evidence of rubella immunity.
• You grew up in a country where MMR vaccination was not routine.
• You work in healthcare, childcare or education and want to check your protection.

Understanding your result

If rubella IgG is detected, you are likely to be immune. If it is not detected, or the result is equivocal, you may not be protected. If you are not pregnant, your GP can usually offer MMR vaccination, and the NHS advises avoiding pregnancy for one month afterwards.

Rubella testing is no longer part of routine NHS antenatal screening, so if you are already pregnant and concerned about exposure, contact your midwife or GP rather than relying on this test alone. Your practitioner will read your result with your vaccination history.

Preparing for your test

You do not need to fast or prepare in any special way. Please tell us if you are, or might be, pregnant, and if you have had blood products or immunoglobulin in the past few months, as these can affect antibody results. If you have a rash and fever and may have been exposed to rubella, phone your GP or NHS 111 before attending any clinic.

Rubella immunity is often checked alongside measles and mumps immunity, which we offer as separate tests. If you are planning a pregnancy, our fertility tests may also be relevant. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a rubella immunity test in Chiswick?

The Rubella Immunity test costs £89. It covers the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Should I test for rubella before trying for a baby?

If you are unsure whether you have had two doses of MMR, checking before pregnancy gives you time to be vaccinated if needed, as the vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy.

What happens if I am not immune?

Speak to your GP about MMR vaccination if you are not pregnant. If you are pregnant, your midwife will advise on avoiding exposure and arrange vaccination after the birth.

Does this test show if I have rubella now?

No. It checks for immunity. Speak to your GP if you think you may have a current infection.