children s health issues
Rubella
Diagnosis of Rubella
A doctor's evaluation Tests to measure antibody levels in high-risk people Doctors suspect rubella in people who have swollen lymph nodes at the back of their head and the characteristic rash. A definite diagnosis of rubella is necessary for pregnant women, people who have encephalitis, and newborns. The diagnosis can be confirmed by measuring levels of antibodies to rubella virus in the blood or by testing throat, nose, or urine specimens. Before birth, the diagnosis may be made in the fetus by testing the amniotic fluid or the fetus's blood. Pregnant women are routinely screened with blood tests during early pregnancy to confirm they are immune to rubella. 