Measles Mumps Rubella Immunity (MMR) Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Chief Medical Officer

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What are
measles, mumps, and rubella?

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are highly infectious viral infections that can have serious health complications. They can lead to pregnancy complications if a pregnant woman is infected.


What are the
symptoms of MMR?

Measles transmits through respiratory secretions and is very contagious. Symptoms include a high fever, dry cough, red eyes, light sensitivity, tiny white spots inside the mouth, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body. Mumps also transmits through respiratory secretions or saliva. Rubella causes a fine red rash and flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headache, and generally feeling unwell.


How do I check
my MMR immunity?

You may be unsure of your MMR immunity status, particularly if you were not vaccinated against MMR as a child. Our Measles Mumps Rubella Immunity (MMR) Blood Test allows you to check your level of immunity to MMR by detecting the presence of antibodies, which may be due to past infections or vaccinations. Once you are aware of your immunity to MMR, you can choose whether to get vaccinated.


What's Included?

Immunity
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Rubella IgG Rubella is a viral infection otherwise known as German Measles. The virus causes a red rash and flu-like symptoms and although the virus is usually harmless, if a woman gets rubella in the first three months of her pregnancy, serious birth defects or a miscarriage may occur.
Measles IgG This test measures IgG antibodies to the measles virus which will tell you whether or not you are immune to measles. A result above a certain level will be reported as positive which means that you are immune to measles. Your result can also be reported as equivocal (which means that antibodies have been detected but they are not at a level where immunity is certain) or negative, which means that you are not immune to measles. Measles is a contagious disease which is spread through coughing and sneezing. Measles causes symptoms such as a runny nose, cough and fever, red, light-sensitive eyes and small whitish spots on the inside of the cheeks. After a few days, a rash will develop. Measles often passes without incident, but in some cases serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) can develop. Immunity to measles is acquired through being vaccinated or as a result of having recovered from a previous infection. Once you are immune you are unlikely to catch measles again or pass measles onto another person. Health care workers may be required to prove immunity to measles by their employer.
Mumps IgG This test measures the level of IgG antibodies to mumps in your blood which will tell you whether you are immune to mumps. A result above a certain level will mean that your result is positive and you are immune to mumps. If your antibodies are below this level then your results may be reported as equivocal (where immunity is not certain) or negative which means that you are not immune to mumps. Mumps is a contagious viral infection which is spread through coughing and sneezing. It causes symptoms such as headaches and joint pain, as well as the characteristic swelling of the parotid salivary glands just below the ears. Some individuals will also experience swelling of the testicles and ovaries, and it can cause viral meningitis in a minority of cases. Immunity to mumps can be acquired through vaccination or from having recovered from a previous infection. Immunity means that you will not catch mumps and neither can you spread mumps to another person. Health care workers may need to prove their mumps immunity to their employer.

How to prepare
for your test

Special Instructions

Prepare for your Measles Mumps Rubella Immunity (MMR) Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.