Experience with an indirect (passive) haemagglutination test for the demonstration of rubella virus antibody.

A new indirect (passive) haemagglutination technique (Rubacell, Abbott) has been evaluated on the basis of a material of 1,792 sera sent for serological diagnosis of a rubella infection or determination of immunity status. The test procedure is very simple. IHA antibodies appeared about two weeks later than HI antibodies and seemed to persist for life. Two fields of application for the IHA technique are discussed: 1. As a supplement to other tests because of the late appearance of the antibodies; 2. In screening for immunity status. The IHA combines ease of performance with high sensitivity.