DETECTION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-G TO MEASLES-VIRUS, RUBELLA-VIRUS, AND MUMPS-VIRUS IN SERUM SAMPLES AND IN MICROQUANTITIES OF WHOLE-BLOOD DRIEDON FILTER-PAPER

Immunity to measles virus, rubella virus, and mumps virus was determin ed by EIA in serum samples and in dried whole blood specimens spotted on Whatman filter paper (5 mm in diameter). Both specimens were obtain ed from each patient by venepuncture and finger prick. Ten microliters of whole blood is enough to detect antibodies to these three differen t viruses. The comparison of the results obtained by EIA from 227 seru m and whole blood samples have demonstrated close agreement: 98.6% for measles virus, 99.1% for rubella virus, and 96.0% for mumps virus. Mo reover, 96 whole blood samples can be tested in a microtiter plate and can be stored at room temperature for 15 days or at +4 degrees C for several months. Therefore, whole blood dried on filter paper is a conv enient alternative method for collecting and transporting specimens, i t is easier and safer than venepuncture, and could be used for large-s cale epidemiological studies, especially in newborns. This method coul d solve the problem of sampling, especially in young children, and cou ld simplify studies of vaccine efficacy.