Measles Mumps Rubella Immunity (MMR) Blood Test

Measles IgG antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to measles virus infection or vaccination. These antibodies provide long-term immunity against measles, a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and, rarely, death. What Positive Means: A positive result indicates you have developed immunity to measles, either through vaccination (typically the MMR vaccine given in childhood) or past natural infection. You are protected against future measles infection. What Negative Means: A negative result suggests you may not be immune to measles. This could indicate you were never vaccinated, your vaccination did not produce adequate immunity, or your antibody levels have waned over time. Vaccination is recommended for non-immune individuals. Why It Matters: Measles remains a serious public health concern worldwide. Outbreaks can occur when vaccination coverage drops. Immunity is particularly important for healthcare workers, travellers to endemic areas, and those in close contact with vulnerable populations.

Mumps IgG antibodies indicate immunity to the mumps virus, which causes a contagious viral infection primarily affecting the parotid (salivary) glands. These antibodies develop following mumps infection or vaccination and typically persist for life. What Positive Means: A positive result indicates you have developed immunity to mumps, either through vaccination or past infection. You are protected against future mumps infection. What Negative Means: A negative result suggests you may not be immune to mumps. Vaccination is recommended for non-immune individuals, particularly those in high-risk settings. Why It Matters: While mumps is often mild, it can cause serious complications including meningitis, encephalitis, hearing loss, and orchitis (testicular inflammation) in post-pubertal males, which can rarely lead to infertility. Immunity is important for preventing these complications.

Rubella IgG antibodies indicate immunity to rubella (German measles), a viral infection that is usually mild in children and adults but can cause devastating birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. These antibodies develop following infection or vaccination and typically provide lifelong protection. What Positive Means: A positive result indicates you have developed immunity to rubella. This is particularly important for women of childbearing age, as immunity protects against congenital rubella syndrome during pregnancy. What Negative Means: A negative result suggests you may not be immune to rubella. If you are planning pregnancy, vaccination before conception is strongly recommended. You should avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month after receiving the MMR vaccine. Why It Matters: Rubella infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe birth defects including heart problems, deafness, cataracts, and intellectual disability. Confirming immunity before pregnancy is essential.