The flow diagram below shows the investigation for rubella in a pregnant woman who has come into contact with a rash illness.
You should provide pregnant women with the following information prior to testing for rubella and parvovirus B19:
- rubella is extremely rare in the UK; tests are routine and are likely to confirm absence of the infection
- testing for rubella and parvovirus B19 will initially involve testing of blood samples only; more invasive tests, such as amniocentesis, are rarely needed
- there is no effective treatment for rubella in pregnancy if the infection is confirmed.
