A rubella titer of less than 1:8 in a pregnant client means what?

A rubella titer of less than 1:8 in a pregnant client means what?

• A. The test results are normal
• B. She has developed immunity to the rubella virus
• C. The test will need to be repeated during the pregnancy
• D. She must have been exposed to rubella

Answer: (C)

In pregnancy, rubella immunity is assessed by rubella IgG titer, with a protective level typically 1:8 or higher. A titer below 1:8 means the patient is not immune to rubella. This status does not prove immunity, nor does it by itself indicate that she has been exposed or infected. Because protection of the fetus from rubella is critical, the appropriate next step is to repeat the serology later in the pregnancy to see if the titer changes (seroconversion) or to detect any new infection if exposure occurs. Vaccination against rubella is not given during pregnancy and would be considered postpartum if nonimmune.