[Hemolysis in ger test -- an alternative to hamagglutination inhibition test for search of antibodies against rubella virus (author's transl)].
640 sera of unknown immune status were tested in the rubella hemagglutination inhibition test (HI) as well as in hemolysis in gel test (HIG). The results have been analysed by statistical methods. The reproducibility of zones of hemolysis are 1.7 mm for the long term precision and 1.0 mm for the short term precision. Comparing the HIG and the HI tests we had a correlation of 97% = sensitivity (544 out of 561 sera) in positive reacting sera and of 87% = specifity (69 out of 79 sera) in the negative reactions. We consider a person to have antibodies against rubella if the zone of hemolysis had a diameter of 8 mm or above. In cases of diameters under 8 mm the results of IH and HIG-tests do not correlate. The reasons are not completely known and should be investigated.