Microtiter latex agglutination--quantitative and qualitative equivalent to hemagglutination inhibition for detection of rubella antibody.

Sera were tested for rubella antibody by a standard hemagglutination inhibition method and by latex agglutination in microtiter plates (Virogen Rubella Micro Test). When 157 sera were examined by hemagglutination inhibition and by microtiter latex agglutination for immune status, 149 of the results agreed. The eight discrepant sera (all hemagglutination inhibition-negative, latex agglutination-positive) were tested by a card latex agglutination method (Rubascan) and a passive hemagglutination method (Rubacell). Results, except where noted, agreed with those of the microtiter latex agglutination. One hundred forty-eight of the 149 sera that were in agreement as to immune status were also within a fourfold variation when hemagglutination inhibition and latex agglutination titers were compared. An additional 100 sera were tested for immune status by microtiter latex agglutination and by passive hemagglutination with the single discrepant result agreeing with the latex agglutination when tested by a third method. Both microtiter latex agglutination and hemagglutination inhibition agreed in detection of fourfold or greater rises in each of 20 paired sera.