children s health issues
Rubella in Newborns
Diagnosis of Rubella in Newborns
Tests to measure antibody levels in the mother's blood Tests of the amniotic fluid or blood in the fetus Tests to measure antibody levels and to look for the virus in the newborn are routinely screened with a blood test early in pregnancy to confirm they are immune to rubella. The test is repeated in women who do not have antibodies to rubella virus and who develop Symptoms . can be diagnosed before birth by Amniocentesis or blood. Newbornssuspected of having congenital rubella syndrome should have blood tests to measure antibody levels, and specimens may be taken and tested to look for the virus. Other tests in the newborn may include a Spinal Tap and x-rays of the bones to look for abnormalities caused by congenital rubella syndrome. Newborns should also be given thorough eye and heart examinations. 