Exam Quick Guide

An antibody titer test measures the corporeality of a specific type of antibodies in the claret. Antibodies are proteins created by the allowed organization to fight pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria.

Measuring specific antibodies can help decide if y'all have been vaccinated against or previously infected by a sure pathogen. Information technology can as well aid examination how well your immune system is working.

About the Test

Purpose of the examination

The purpose of this test is to check the levels of certain antibodies in the blood. These levels are known as antibody titers. When titers are above a certain threshold, it demonstrates that the immune organization has had prior exposure to either a vaccine or pathogen.

An antibody titer test tin be used in several different situations:

  • Assessing past disease exposure: The presence of antibodies can reflect previous exposure to a pathogen.
  • Determining vaccination history: In people who do non take consummate or reliable medical records, an antibiotic titer test may place the vaccines that they have already received. Most often, this occurs with children or adults immigrating to the United States without detailed medical records. In this context, it may be referred to equally an immunization test.
  • Meeting requirements for schools, employers, or assisted-living facilities: Proof of vaccination is required in various contexts, and when medical records cannot provide this proof, an antibody titer test may be an selection to evidence that you have received a sure vaccine.
  • Assessing by affliction exposure: The presence of antibodies can reflect previous exposure to a pathogen.
  • Evaluating immune part: People with some immune diseases do not properly develop antibodies afterwards pathogen exposure or vaccine administration. This can cause recurring infections or leave them susceptible to vaccine-preventable illnesses. A titer test may be used after vaccination to come across if their immune system responds properly.
  • Diagnosing autoimmune diseases:In some conditions, the immune system attacks the torso's own cells. The presence of sure types of antibodies can be an indication of an autoimmune trouble.
  • Protecting healthcare workers: Medical workers may need a titer test to ensure that they have antibodies to viruses to which they have frequent exposure.

What does the test measure?

The test measures antibody titers. This is a technical term for levels of a type of poly peptide produced by the immune system. Specific antibodies are produced in response to specific pathogens like viruses.

The presence of a certain amount of antibodies tin demonstrate that a person has been vaccinated or has been exposed to a detail pathogen. Examples of antibodies in the blood that may exist measured to acquire about immunization or past infection include:

  • Measles and mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles
  • Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C)
  • Tetanus and diphtheria
  • Mononucleosis
  • COVID-19

Blood can be analyzed to measure dozens of other specific antibodies associated with a broad range of medical weather condition. Several different test methods are available depending on the kind of antibodies being measured.

When measuring antibody titers related to immunization, it is of import to remember that the presence of antibodies does not guarantee protection. At that place is no examination to definitively prove complete immunity to a pathogen. Too, the absence of specific antibodies does not hateful that the body could not mount an immune response against that specific affliction. This is because there are other segments of the allowed organisation responsible for fighting pathogens.

When should I get immunization testing?

Antibiotic titer testing to evaluate immune function or place active or by infections are tailored to your specific circumstances. Your md is in the best position to review the potential benefits and downsides of testing in your situation. Talk with a doctor to determine whether antibody testing is right for y'all.

In some cases, antibody titer testing may be used to inform a schedule for vaccines. Even so, when vaccination status is unclear, doctors may recommend age-appropriate vaccinations without doing immunization testing.

Finding an Immunization Examination

How to become tested

Antibody titer testing is typically done in specific circumstances when pathogen exposure, vaccination status, or allowed system function needs to be checked. As a consequence, the exam is normally prescribed past a medico who indicates the specific types of antibodies that should be measured.

Tin can I have the test at home?

At-home antibody titer testing is uncommon. In some circumstances, information technology may be possible to take a blood sample at home and and then send it to a lab where the antibody levels are analyzed.

How much does the test cost?

In that location is not a standard price for antibody titer testing. Factors affecting the price of the examination include:

  • Which antibody or antibodies are being measured
  • The laboratory techniques used to mensurate antibodies
  • Where you have your blood drawn
  • The technician fee for drawing your blood
  • Whether y'all have insurance and whether it provides coverage for the test
  • Whether you take toll-sharing similar copays or deductibles equally part of your insurance

Earlier getting tested, you lot can ask your md or a representative from a medical lab and your insurance company what the expected cost would be for titer testing for specific antibodies.

Taking the Antibody Titer Test

Antibody titer testing requires a blood sample. The blood sample is normally fatigued from a vein in your arm in a md'southward office, hospital, laboratory, or other health clinic. Some tests tin can also utilize blood obtained from a finger prick.

Earlier the test

You lot normally do not need to take any special measures to prepare for titer testing. However, you should talk to your physician about whatsoever medications or supplements that you have taken recently equally some tin affect immune function. You should likewise tell your md if you've had any recent illnesses.

During the test

A claret sample for antibody testing is taken from a vein in your arm or from a stick of your finger. If using a vein, the technician volition likely tie a tourniquet around the upper function of your arm to enhance claret flow in your arm. They volition wipe the expanse around the inside of your elbow clean with an antiseptic and then use a needle to draw claret from the vein.

In that location may be a brief stinging sensation when the needle is initially inserted into your arm. This pain unremarkably does non last long, and the examination itself can be completed in under one infinitesimal.

Afterwards the test

Once your blood is fatigued, a cast or cotton swab will be placed over the puncture site to stop the bleeding. Information technology is helpful to hold pressure to the area to help terminate the flow of claret. Slight soreness or bruising can occur but normally isn't long-lasting.

Afterward the examination, y'all can return to nearly normal activities, including driving. You may need to restrict intense physical activity for a few hours immediately after the test if yous are non feeling well later the test.

Immunization Test Results

Receiving test results

Exam results are usually available inside a few business days subsequently your blood sample is received by the laboratory. If your physician prescribed the examination, they will probable contact you or schedule an engagement to review your results and what they mean. A test report may also exist mailed to your home or available to you online.

Interpreting test results

The test issue will listing any specific antibodies that were measured. Information technology may show a specific level, or titer, measured, or information technology may simply bespeak "positive" or "negative" for whether the antibodies were plant.

Interpreting these test results tin be complicated considering there are different types of antibodies that may be measured. For that reason, antibody test results should be discussed with a doc who can provide the virtually relevant context for understanding what they hateful and their significance for your health.

Related Content

View Sources

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A.D.A.1000. Medical Encyclopedia. Antibiotic titer blood test. Updated May 2, 2020. Accessed Apr 4, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/commodity/003333.htm

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Centers for Affliction Command and Prevention (CDC). Immunization of health-intendance personnel: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2011;60(RR-seven):ane-45.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Serologic Testing to Document Immunization Status. In: Kimberlin D, Brady One thousand, Jackson M, Long S, eds. Ed Book: 2022 Written report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. American University of Pediatrics 2018. Accessed April 4, 2021. https://redbook.solutions.aap.org/affiliate.aspx?sectionid=192295833&bookid=2205

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