Serologic test combinations for safe detection of rubella infections

Today a great number of serologic tests, including commercial kits, are available for rubella antibody testing. The performance and quality of various commercial tests (ELISA Enzygnost [Behring], Rubazyme [Abbott], Rubenz M [Northumbria/Biosigma], single radial hemolysis [e.g., Koch & Merk]) with a great number of selected sera were compared with those of conventional methods (hemagglutination-inhibition test, sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation), and certain test combinations were selected. These proved useful for safe and rapid diagnosis of the stage of natural, vaccinal, and congenital rubella infection and for the determination of the immune status in pregnant women.