MMR Test ( Measles, Mumps, Rubella )

What is an MMR test?

An MMR test is a blood test that is performed to check if you are immune to three contagious viral infections—Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. These infections spread easily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. This test is also known as MMR titer, antibody titer, German measles antibody, Rubella antibody, hemagglutination inhibition (HAI), and rubeola antibody.

Vaccinations are done to obtain immunity from these infections but immunity provided by the vaccinations may not last through a person’s life. If you’ve been vaccinated for MMR or have had these infections, then your immune system would have made antibodies to fight the viruses that cause them.

The MMR test helps doctors in measuring your antibody levels to evaluate whether your immune system has the capability to react to any of these viral infections.

What is MMR?

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) is a serious condition. Following symptoms may include:

1. Measles symptoms include fever, rash, loss of appetite, tiredness, cough and painful
   red eyes, ear infections and diarrhea.
2. Mumps symptoms include low grade fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, headache,
   general aches and pains, runny nose, painful and swollen glands in the cheeks, neck
   or under the jaw.
3. Rubella symptoms include fever, tiredness, swollen glands, joint pain, sore eyes, red
   rash around the ears and neck.

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Who Should Get an MMR Test?

Your doctor may order you to take an MMR test to diagnose Measles, Mumps, or Rubella if you have the following signs and symptoms of each viral infection:

• Measles (Rubeola) – Symptoms develop about 7 to 18 days after infection
• High fever
• Rash all over the body
• Dry cough
• Red, watery, itchy eyes
• A runny nose
• Sore throat
• Sensitivity to light
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth
• Diarrhea
• Ear infection
• Mumps – Symptoms develop about 2 to 3 weeks after infection
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen salivary glands
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling of the testicles or ovaries
• Deafness
• Rubella (German measles) – Symptoms develop about 2 to 3 weeks after infection
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Rash around the ears and neck
• Headache
• Red, watery, itchy eyes

What is the Purpose of an MMR Test?

Your doctor may recommend an MMR test to:

• Confirm your immunity against MMR viruses due to previous infections, contact with an infected person, or vaccination.
  This is especially done for women who are trying to get pregnant. If a pregnant woman develops Rubella during the first three months of her pregnancy, her baby could be born with birth defects or she could have a miscarriage.
• Diagnose an active case of Measles, Mumps, or Rubella.
• Detect, monitor, and track suspected or confirmed outbreaks of MMR for public health purposes.

Your doctor may even recommend an Epstein-Barr Virus (Mono) test to evaluate your risk for the contagious mononucleosis (mono) disease. Depending on the results, your doctor will confirm the diagnosis and plan your treatment.

How Should I Prepare for an MMR Test?

There is no special preparation or fasting required for the MMR test. Just bring your LabFinder Order and Insurance Card to your appointment.

How Is an MMR Test Performed?

A healthcare professional or doctor will draw a blood sample from your arm vein through a syringe and needle. After the needle is inserted into the vein, a sterile tube will be used to collect the blood sample. You will experience a sting when the needle is inserted and taken out.

How Long Does an MMR Test Take?

An MMR test is usually completed in about five to ten minutes.

Are There Any Risks in Taking an MMR Test?

No. There is rarely any risk involved while taking the MMR test.

When Will I Receive My Results?

Once the MMR test is completed, you will receive your results within 3-5 business days in your LabFinder portal.

Related Tests

MMRV – Blood test used to check for highly contagious viral infections known as measles,
mumps, rubella titers and varicella zoster virus (MMRV). LEARN MORE