MMR Test Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Antibody panel

 
Does this test have any other names?

Measles Immunity test, Mumps immunity test, Measles virus by RT-PCR, Measles blood test, Mumps blood test, Measles viral culture, Mumps virus by RT-PCR, Measles antibody IgM, IgG, Mumps antibody IgM, Rubeola, Parotitis, Rubeola Antibody, German Measles antibody, Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI), Rubeola antibody

What is an MMR test?

An MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) antibody test observes for antibodies in response to infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella. Antibodies are proteins developed by your immune system. Antibodies help to fight against bacteria, viral infections, or viruses. An MMR test helps diagnose whether you have had measles or mumps or are immune to these diseases because of recent viruses. Measles and mumps can transfer from one person to person. An MMR test is a blood test that helps to confirm both measles and mumps in your body or if you have immunity to these viruses. Rubella is called German measles, which spreads from the other virus.

What are measles and mumps?

Measles - This virus or infection is also known as rubeola. The measles virus damages the cells of your lungs and the back of the throat. It is a severe infection that can transfer through coughing or close contact with a contaminated surface with the virus. According to the CDC (Center for disease control and prevention), this virus may survive in the air for at least two hours whenever an infected person sneezes. Symptoms do not appear for the first few days. Measles may lead to symptoms about 1 to weeks after infection.

Most people recover within a few weeks from measles. Some people may have measles, which leads to ear infections, diarrhea, or blindness. Severe viral infections may result in vitamin A deficiency, malabsorption, or a weak immune system. A high risk of miscarriage may occur during pregnancy if women experience measles infection.

Mumps - This is a spreading viral infection that may transfer from one person to another by sneezing, sharing items, or close contact with surfaces with respiratory droplets or saliva. Mumps symptoms may appear about two to three weeks after the infection. Mumps is a low-risk infection compared to measles.
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Mumps is light and develops limited illness for most people. In some people, this may lead to temporary or permanent deafness, inflamed testicles or ovaries, or pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas).

What are the tests included?

The measles and mumps Antibody test helps to determine the following conditions:
 

• To diagnose the active measles or mumps infection. Active infection indicates that you are already experiencing a virus in your body. IgM antibody and Molecular tests are tests used to check for measles and mumps.
• IgM antibody test - IgM antibodies are proteins produced by your immune system when measles or mumps enter your body. This test searches for IgM antibodies in your blood.
• Molecular test - This test requires a sample of blood, fluid from your throat or nose, or urine to see measles or mumps. A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) comes under the molecular test.
• To identify your immunity to measles or mumps. If you ever had treatment of vaccination with measles and mumps, your body has IgG antibodies to prevent you from upcoming infection or for your remaining life.
• To control the disease of measles and mumps from society. It leads to resistance from transferring infections to another person by taking steps of awareness.

When do I need an MMR test?

Your healthcare provider may ask for this test to see your immunity to measles and mumps. You may need this test if you are
 

• Pregnant or future planning for pregnancy
• Attending school or going for a job that needs immunity proof.
• Working in a healthcare center where you may take exposure to the infected person.

You may order the measles and mumps test if you experience symptoms of measles or mumps.

Symptoms of measles
 

• Eyes color turn red
• Runny nose
• High fever
• Soreness in the throat
• Light sensitivity
• Small white spots within the mouth
• Rashes that appear on the face and transfer down to the legs and chest
• Cough

Symptoms of Mumps
 

• Fever
• Muscle weakness or aches
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen and painful cheeks
• Earache or pain
• Swelling with pain

If you want to see your immunity to this measles or mumps, you can visit here for an MMR test.

How do I need to prepare for this test?

You do not need specific preparation for the MMR test. You can inform your provider about medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use.

What is the method for this test?

An MMR test may be performed with different methods. Antibody tests need a blood sample. A blood or a fluid sample from your mouth, nose, or throat is mostly used for molecular tests.

For Blood test

Your provider will ask for a blood sample for this test. Following are the steps of this test:

• Sit in front of your provider and remove your part of the cloth from one arm.
• Your provider will insert a small needle into the vein in your arm.
•  A small amount of blood will collect in a test tube.
• Your blood sample will keep at the laboratory for examination.
• Daily activities can start after the test.
• This test generally takes five minutes.

You can book an online order for an MMR test here.

Swab test - You will provide a fluid sample from your nose, throat, or cheek. Your provider will use a specific wrap to collect a sample. 

Nasal aspirate or wash - A provider injects a saltwater solution into your nose and removes the sample by gentle suction.

Your healthcare provider may ask to repeat tests if there is a chance for measles or mumps. You may also need a spinal test if measles or mumps lead to encephalitis or meningitis (Infection of fluid around the brain and spinal cord). Your healthcare provider injects a thin, hollow needle into your spine and collects a fluid sample for a spinal tap test.

What are the risks of this test?

An MMR test is a blood, swab, or nasal aspirate test having low risks. During a blood sample, you may experience slight pain or low risks when your provider injects a needle into your veins. These risks include
 

• Bruising
• Infection
• Low bleeding
• lightheaded feeling
• Dizziness

A swab test may lead to feeling vomiting when your throat or nose cleanses.
A nasal aspirate or wash may show a temporary feeling of discomfort.

What do the test results mean?

The MMR test results may vary on age, gender, medical history, and other factors. The test results may also slightly differ among laboratories. It is because each lab may use different methods for measurements. You can talk with a doctor to get information about your test results here.

Negative test results do not indicate measles or mumps in your body. If you also had a negative antibody test, it shows that you do not have immunity to measles or mumps.

Your body develops two rubella antibodies: IgM and IgG. The positive test results depend on what type of test you take:

A positive molecular test (PCR) results indicate that you have the measles or mumps virus in your blood and current infection with it.

A positive IgM antibody test results indicate that you currently have measles or mumps infection or have experienced infection in the past.

A positive IgG antibody test result shows that you are immune to measles or mumps due to vaccination or recent infection.

If your child experiences measles or mumps infection, they should stay home so that viruses do not transfer to other people. You can ask your provider when to come back for daily activities.

What factors may affect the test results?

An MMR test may affect if you conduct this test earlier or before symptoms of measles or mumps.

What things may I need to know about an MMR test?
 
According to the center for disease control and prevention (CDC), the recommended dose of vaccination against measles and mumps are:

For children - 2 doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
For adults - At least one dose if they are not immune to measles and mumps or if they are not pregnant. Two doses may require for some people.

What additional tests do I need along with an MMR test?

Your healthcare provider may ask for a spinal fluid test to diagnose mumps.