Single-radial hemolysis as a cost-effective determinant of Rubella antibody status.

Single-radial hemolysis was examined for sensitivity, reliability, and cost for determination of rubella antibody levels in the general population. Results obtained with single-radial hemolysis plates made in this laboratory, and those under development by a commercial manufacturer, were compared with those obtained by the hemagglutination inhibition method normally used for rubella antibody determinations. The results suggest that single-radial hemolysis is comparable to hemagglutination inhibition with respect to sensitivity and reliability; it is superior to hemagglutination inhibition in terms of ease of manipulation and economy of use.