Rubella antibody assay by the immunoperoxidase technique: comparison with the hemagglutination inhibition test for determination of immune status

The rubella immune status of 128 young women was determined with two assays for rubella antibody, the immunoperoxidase technique and the hemagglutination inhibition test. Comparison of the results of these techniques showed agreement in 125 cases (110 positive and 15 negative). Positive results were obtained for one woman only by the immunoperoxidase assay and for two women only by the hemagglutination inhibition test; all three of these women had a minimal titer of rubella antibody of 1:16. The sensitivity of the immunoperoxidase test was comparable to that of the hemagglutination inhibition test, and the specificity of the former test was verified. The peroxidase labeled antibody technique is easier to perform than the hemagglutination inhibition test and is less time consuming, since sera do not require prior treatment and results can be obtained in as little as 90 min.