COMPARISON OF 4 ENZYME IMMUNOASSAYS FOR DETECTION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-MANTIBODIES AGAINST RUBELLA-VIRUS

We evaluated four tests for the detection of rubella virus-specific im munoglobulin M antibodies. Primarily, consecutive serum samples were t ested by two different assays. Selected panels of sera from patients w ith proven or likely recent rubella and false-positive and true-negati ve results in the two primary assays were further tested with two rece ntly developed, fully automated techniques. The four tests were compar able in overall accuracy, but their dynamic ranges may differ consider ably. Ways to optimize the predictive values are discussed. We conclud e that automated assays may be used without causing significant change s in diagnostic accuracy or distortions in notifications of the incide nce of rubella compared with the use of established tools.