Direct HIG test for rubella antibodies

A modification of the haemolysis-in-gel test for rubella is described. This involves using, instead of sera, whole blood samples taken from the earlobe and placed directly onto the test plates without any pretreatment. A comparison was made between this method and the HI test. Samples from 461 individuals were tested by both methods. The results of these two tests were in good agreement. No false negatives or false positives were observed by the direct HIG test. The direct HIG test is particularly well suited for screening large groups for rubella antibodies in connection with a vaccination program.