Measles (Rubeola) Antibody Test

Why am I having this test?

You may need to have a measles, or rubeola, antibody test to check if you have measles. Measles is caused by a germ called a virus. The germ infects your respiratory system. This includes your nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs. It then spreads to the rest of your body. You may need to be checked if:

You've had contact with someone who has measles.
You have symptoms. These may include a fever, cough, or red rash.
You've been to a place where measles is common.
Your health care provider can't do a physical exam.

You may also need this test to check if you're protected from, or immune to, measles. You may be immune if you've had measles before or have gotten the vaccine shot. You may need to be checked if:

You're pregnant.
You work in health care.
You're a college student.

What is being tested?

This test checks your blood for antibodies. Antibodies are part of your body's defense system, or immune system. After you get measles or the vaccine shot, your body makes antibodies. These stay in your body. They protect you from measles. The antibodies this test looks for are:

Immunoglobulin G, or IgG.
Immunoglobulin M, or IgM.

What kind of sample is taken?

A person having a blood sample taken from the arm.

A blood sample is needed for this test. Blood is taken by putting a needle into a blood vessel. For babies, blood may be taken:

Through the umbilical cord.
With a heel stick. This is when a needle is put in the back of the baby's foot.

Tell a health care provider about:

Any allergies you have.
All medicines you're taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
Any bleeding problems you have.
Any surgeries you've had.
Any medical conditions you have.
Whether you're pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your results will be reported as positive or negative for each antibody. Positive means that you have that antibody, and negative means that you don't.

If you have a positive result for IgG antibodies, it will also be given as a ratio, or titer.

What do the results mean?

If your results are negative for both antibodies, it means you don't have measles and you're not immune to measles.
If your results are positive for IgG antibodies, it means you're immune to measles. You may have had measles in the past, or you may have gotten the vaccine. The ratio given shows how immune you are.
If your results are positive for IgM antibodies, it means you may have measles.

Talk with your provider about what your results mean. In some cases, your provider may do more tests to confirm the results.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your provider or the department doing the test:

When will my results be ready?
How will I get my results?
What are my treatment options?
What other tests do I need?
What are my next steps?

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.