Rubella Antibodies, IgG and IgM

Rubella Antibodies, IgG and IgM

Common use

Specimen

Normal findings

Description

This procedure is contraindicated for

N/A

Indications

• Assist in the diagnosis of rubella infection
• Determine presence of rubella antibodies
• Determine susceptibility to rubella, particularly in pregnant women
• Perform as part of routine prenatal serological testing

Potential diagnosis

Positive findings in:

• Rubella infection (past or present)

Critical findings

• A nonimmune status in pregnant patients may present significant health consequences for the developing fetus if the mother is exposed to an infected individual.

• Note and immediately report to the health-care provider (HCP) pre-gnant patients with rubella non-immune status.

• It is essential that a critical finding be communicated immediately to the requesting HCP. A listing of these findings varies among facilities.

• Timely notification of a critical finding for lab or diagnostic studies is a role expectation of the professional nurse. Notification processes will vary among facilities. Upon receipt of the critical value the information should be read back to the caller to verify accuracy. Most policies require immediate notification of the primary HCP, Hospitalist, or on-call HCP. Reported information includes the patient’s name, unique identifiers, critical value, name of the person giving the report, and name of the person receiving the report. Documentation of notification should be made in the medical record with the name of the HCP notified, time and date of notification, and any orders received. Any delay in a timely report of a critical finding may require completion of a notification form with review by Risk Management.

Interfering factors

N/A

Nursing Implications and Procedure

Potential nursing problems

Pretest

• Positively identify the patient using at least two unique identifiers before providing care, treatment, or services.
• Patient Teaching: Inform the patient this test can indicate rubella infection or immunity.
• Obtain a history of the patient’s complaints, including a list of known allergens, especially allergies or sensitivities to latex.
• Obtain a history of exposure to rubella.
• Obtain a history of the patient’s immune and reproductive systems, symptoms, and results of previously performed laboratory tests and diagnostic and surgical procedures.
• Obtain a list of the patient’s current medications, including herbs, nutritional supplements, and nutraceuticals (see Effects of Natural Products on Laboratory Values online at DavisPlus).
• Review the procedure with the patient. Inform the patient that several tests may be necessary to confirm diagnosis. Any individual positive result should be repeated in 7 to 14 days to monitor a change in detectable level of antibody. Inform the patient that specimen collection takes approximately 5 to 10 min. Address concerns about pain and explain that there may be some discomfort during the venipuncture.
• Sensitivity to social and cultural issues, as well as concern for modesty, is important in providing psychological support before, during, and after the procedure.
• Note that there are no food, fluid, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Intratest

• Potential complications: N/A
• Avoid the use of equipment containing latex if the patient has a history of allergic reaction to latex.
• Instruct the patient to cooperate fully and to follow directions. Direct the patient to breathe normally and to avoid unnecessary movement.
• Observe standard precautions, and follow the general guidelines in Patient Preparation and Specimen Collection. Positively identify the patient, and label the appropriate specimen container with the corresponding patient demographics, initials of the person collecting the specimen, date, and time of collection. Perform a venipuncture.
• Remove the needle and apply direct pressure with dry gauze to stop bleeding. Observe/assess venipuncture site for bleeding or hematoma formation and secure gauze with adhesive bandage.
• Promptly transport the specimen to the laboratory for processing and analysis.

Post-Test

• Inform the patient that a report of the results will be made available to the requesting HCP, who will discuss the results with the patient.
• Vaccination Considerations: Record the date of the last menstrual period and determine the possibility of pregnancy prior to administration of rubella vaccine to female rubella-nonimmune patients. Instruct patient not to become pregnant for 1 mo after being vaccinated with the rubella vaccine to protect any fetus from contracting the disease and having serious birth defects. Instruct the patient on birth control methods to prevent pregnancy, if appropriate. Delay rubella vaccination in pregnancy until after childbirth, and give immediately prior to discharge from the hospital.
• Recognize anxiety related to test results, and provide emotional support if results are positive and the patient is pregnant. Encourage the family to seek counseling if concerned with pregnancy termination. Provide teaching and information regarding the clinical implications of the test results, as appropriate. Decisions regarding elective abortion should take place in the presence of both parents. Provide a nonjudgmental, nonthreatening atmosphere for discussing the risks and difficulties of delivering and raising a developmentally challenged infant as well as for exploring other options (e.g., termination of pregnancy or adoption). Educate the patient regarding access to counseling services, as appropriate.
• Depending on the results of this procedure, additional testing may be performed to evaluate or monitor progression of the disease process and determine the need for a change in therapy. Evaluate test results in relation to the patient’s symptoms and other tests performed.

• Patient Education

  • Reinforce information given by the patient’s HCP regarding further testing, treatment, or referral to another HCP.
  • Instruct the patient in isolation precautions during time of communicability or contagion.
  • Emphasize the need to return to have a convalescent blood sample taken in 7 to 14 days.
  • Provide information regarding vaccine-preventable diseases where indicated (e.g., rubella).
  • Provide contact information, if desired, for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac).
  • Answer any questions or address any concerns voiced by the patient or family.

• Expected Patient Outcomes

  • Knowledge
  • States understanding about the stages of grief that may be experienced with a loss.
  • Accurately describes the dose and frequency of acetaminophen to treat fever and headache.
  • Skills
  • Demonstrates proficient hand washing—both family and patient
  • Accurately describes precautions that should be taken to prevent the exposure of others to the infecting pathogen
  • Attitude
  • Complies with the recommendation to provide a secondary blood sample up to 14 days after diagnosis
  • Agrees to seek grief counseling to assist in coping with the loss of a potential child

Related Monographs

• Related tests include culture viral, CMV, rubeola, Toxoplasma, and varicella antibody.
• Refer to the Immune and Reproductive systems tables at the end of the book for related tests by body system.