What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile Blood Test, which detects antibodies to common infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps, and rubella, to help confirm immunity. Often schools and certain companies require their students and workers to provide proof of immune status. In addition, this test can help determine if an individual has been vaccinated against or previously infected by diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
MMR infections with measles, mumps, and rubella viruses are confined to humans and occur worldwide. All are spread primarily via airborne transmission.
Measles (rubeola) - is a viral infection of the cells in the lungs and the back of the throat, that is easily spread through coughing and sneezing or touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. As a result, infected individuals are contagious for a few days before the symptoms appear. Symptoms associated with measles include fever, cough, red eyes, sensitivity to light, runny nose, sore throat, white spots inside of the mouth, and skin rashes. Most individuals recover within a couple of weeks, but about 20% develop complications, including ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, or, more rarely, encephalitis or blindness.
Mumps - a contagious viral infection easily spread through coughing, sneezing, talking, sharing items, or touching surfaces with respiratory droplets or saliva (e.g., cups and utensils). About 2 to 3 weeks after infection, individuals typically experience flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, sore muscles, fever, and swollen salivary glands. Typically, this is a mild, self-limited illness. Still, some may develop complications such as deafness, inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, pancreatitis, meningitis, or encephalitis.
Rubella - is a viral infection that typically starts with a skin rash and fever. While rubella has been eliminated from the United States due to widespread vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, it can be spread by unvaccinated individuals who contract the virus abroad before returning to the United States. Rubella can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and prolonged close contact with an infected person. While rubella is generally a mild illness that goes away without treatment, it can have severe effects if transmitted to an unvaccinated individual or a developing fetus during pregnancy.
When should I order an MMR Immunity Profile Blood Test?
Individuals interested in determining their immunity to MMR may order this test. Individuals should also note that this test cannot distinguish between a past or current infection; therefore, a positive result may indicate active infection and not immunity. However, suppose an active infection is not suspected based on the individual’s history, clinical signs, and other laboratory results. In that case, a positive IgG result is likely due to past infection, and the individual is assumed to be immune to the disease. Individuals are advised to follow up with their doctor or healthcare provider if they have significant concerns or questions about their results.
