Rubella susceptibility (policy currently under review)
The UK NSC policy on Rubella susceptibility screening in pregnancy
More Information
Rubella is no longer a common disease of childhood in the UK. This is a result of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccination programme - although there are concerns that if MMR vaccination rates continue to drop then cases of rubella will reappear.
Rubella infection usually presents as a mild disease, often without symptoms. However if the infection occurs during pregnancy it can cross the placenta and pass to the fetus with serious consequences.
» Read more about rubella on the Contact a Family website
Policy Position
Screening for rubella susceptibility should be offered.
This policy is currently being reviewed as part of the UK NSC's regular review cycle of all policies.
The review process began in Feb 2011 and is estimated to be completed by Apr 2012.
The consultation on the expert review has now finished but you can still download the document here:
» Download the expert review for Rubella susceptibility (PDF document, 710KB)
The UK NSC will consider the review and any submissions made during the consultation period to reach a final policy decision. The decision will be available on this website when it is available.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
A review of the evidence was conducted by the Antenatal Subgroup: "Review of antenatal screening for rubella immunity" (see below)
In August 2003, a publication Standards for screening for infectious diseases in pregnancy was published by the Department of Health - for standards on rubella testing see Section 2: Rubella antibody (p5-6)
Stakeholders
British Infection Association
Health Protection Agency
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
Related documents
Knowledge update on screening for rubella susceptibility (August 2007) (PDF document, 51KB, 26/10/10)Knowledge update on screening for rubella susceptibility (October 2010) (PDF document, 83KB, 13/09/11)
Knowledge update on screening for rubella susceptibility (September 2009) (PDF document, 31KB, 26/10/10)
Review of antenatal screening for rubella immunity (2003) (PDF document, 49KB, 27/05/11)
