Measles Antibody Test-Why am I having this test?

Measles antibody test checks for signs of the measles virus. Measles is a respiratory illness. A respiratory illness affects parts of the body that are involved in breathing, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Measles causes a rash and spreads through coughing and sneezing. You may have this test:

• To diagnose measles, especially if:
  • You may have been exposed to the measles virus.
  • You got a rash after taking antibiotics.
  • Your health care provider cannot do a physical exam to diagnose you.
• To check if you need the measles vaccine.
• To make sure that you are protected from (immune to) the measles. You should be immune if you have had the measles before, or if you have had the measles vaccine. You may need to check your immunity if you are:
  • Pregnant.
  • A health care worker.
  • A college student.

What is being tested?

This test checks the blood for the presence of:

• IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies.
• IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies.

Antibodies are a type of cell that is part of the body’s disease-fighting (immune) system. After you get an infection, your body makes antibodies that stay in your body after you recover and protect you from getting the same infection again.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel. For babies, blood may be taken through the umbilical cord or through a needle prick in the back of the foot (heel stick).

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative. Positive means that you have the antibody, and negative means that you do not have the antibody.

What do the results mean?

A negative result for both antibodies is considered normal. This result means that you do not have measles and you are not immune to measles.

Positive for IgG antibodies means that you are immune to measles. You may have had measles in the past, or you may have had the measles vaccine.

Positive for IgM antibodies may mean that you have an active measles infection.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is 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?

Summary

• Measles (rubeola) antibody testing checks for signs of the measles virus. Measles is a respiratory illness that causes a rash and spreads through coughing and sneezing.
• You may have this test to make sure that you are protected from (immune to) the measles.
• Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean. A negative result for both antibodies is considered normal. This result means that you do not have measles and you are not immune to measles.