The diagnosis of rubella (German measles) typically begins with a physical examination by a physician, who will assess the patient's symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis definitively, several laboratory tests may be ordered.
Common diagnostic tests for rubella include:
* Complete Blood Count (CBC)
* Urinalysis
* Nasal or throat swab
A positive result from a blood test, nasal/throat swab, or urine test, indicating the presence of the rubella virus or specific antibodies, confirms an active rubella infection. Specifically, a positive rubella blood test means that antibodies against the rubella virus are present in the body.
It's important to note that a positive test result in the absence of current symptoms might indicate either a past rubella infection or immunity acquired through rubella vaccination.