What Is an Antibody Titer Test and When Should You Get One?
Globally including in the United States titers are used to determine if an individual was infected with a disease and if they require immunization. Titers are blood tests used to measure the presence and quality of antibodies in a person’s blood.
The antibody titer test will measure a person’s immune reaction of an outside infection called antigens in a person’s body.
Antibody Titers are administered are often used as a safety net for individuals seeking employment, in the health care field and other sensitive professions. It is important to manage the spread of diseases.
What Is an Antibody Titer Test?
An antibody Titer blood test is a laboratory-based test that measures the level of antibodies in a person’s blood. The most common titers used in many healthcare and pre-employment requirements are Hepatitis B, Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and Varicella.
Titers are performed on individuals to determine if the person was potentially infected in the past with a pathogen.
A vaccine is used to administer the level of a booster injection to prevent the individual from getting a pathogen. This helps to stop the spread of the disease.
Difference between Antibody tests and vaccines
| Antibodies | Vaccines |
| Blood Test to determine past infection or immunity | Determines the effectiveness of a vaccine to create immunity. |
| Done to determine infection or results of a vaccination | Vaccines are a source of treatment to create antibodies |
| Positive Antibodies indicate past exposure to a pathogen | Vaccines prevent disease |
How Does an Antibody Titer Test Work?
Measuring a blood sample for antibodies provides a measure of the level of exposure or immunity a person has for a disease. The presence of antibodies does reflect the potential of exposure to a pathogen. This is specifically important as an indicator in medical records that are incomplete. The titer will demonstrate if an individual has received a vaccine for a specific disease. These laboratory-based immunization tests are helpful with individuals who have immigrated to the United State and do not have detailed medical records with them.
Antibody tests measure for 2 specific immunoglobulins namely IgM and IgG which are the most common antibody tests.
| IgM | IgG |
| Takes 5- 10 days after a person is infected | Takes about 14 days after an infection |
| Infection is clear after 20 days | Infection is clear between 5 – 8 weeks |
| Infection remains in a person’s system for a maximum of four months | Infection remains in a person’s body for a longer period – months to years. |
If a person’s test results are negative for IgM and IgG, they do not have an infection pending when the test was done as infections manifest themselves over a period as indicated in the table above. This is termed an equivocal test which means a person is infected but not showing any infection in their titer test. The person is not positive or negative for the antibody test. Follow-up testing will be required for this kind of result.
What Can an Antibody Titer Test Detect?
An antibody titer test can determine the absence or presence of some of the most common and well controlled diseases. These are Measles, mumps and rubella, chickenpox, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus and diphtheria, COVID-19.
Some of these tests are required for Pre-employment, Entry into academic programs, health care workers in hospitals and other health care settings.
Symptoms of the diseases listed in the table are as follow:
Measles & Mumps
Measles and Mumps tests for a virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family.
- Measles requires a blood sample, urine, nasal aspirate, throat sample or cheek sample.
- It manifests with swelling of the glands.
- The virus is spread by droplets
- Vaccines provide protection
Rubella (German Measles)
- Spread through a viral infection e.g. coughs or sneezes
- Indicator is a low-grade fever and Sore Throat with a rash
- Vaccine will provide protection
Hepatitis B
- Dark colored urine
- Exhaustion
- Fever
- Nausea
- Aching joints
- Jaundice
- Vaccination prevents the disease
Varicella (chickenpox)
- Extremely contagious
- Person is contagious between 1 – t days before symptoms appear
- Manifests as an itchy rash, fever, exhaustion, loss of appetite
- Lasts for about 4 – 7 days
- Vaccination protects against the disease. Found most in children, infants, adults and individuals who are pregnant.
An Antibody test can determine the presence, absence or past infection of each of these diseases.
When Should You Get an Antibody Titer Test?
Many organizations that have people in close contact with each other and work in sensitive professions are required to do titer tests to determine immunity from diseases like MMR, Rubella, chickenpox.
For College Admissions
If you are heading to college, you will probably be required to provide your immunization records. Schools and colleges require a list of vaccines on record. If you do not have your records, SmarTest Labs can assist you with conducting the appropriate titers that will demonstrate your immunity to diseases like MMR, Rubella, chickenpox.
For Nursing School
Nursing schools require individuals to provide records for Varicella, Rubella, MME and Varicella. A titer test will help determine the presence or absence of antibodies for a disease. Proof of immunity is required.
Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers are exposed to disease given the nature of their profession. They are highly advised to conduct tests for these diseases. Some healthcare setting requires their healthcare workers to test frequently but others do not. However, they are required to show proof of vaccination for Hepatitis B, MMR, varicella and other diseases.
Medical Students
Medical students are required to show proof of immunization. If these documents are not available, they need to get titers done to find out if they are immune.
Before International Travel
Travel requirements vary with different countries. Countries that commonly require titer tests are majority of the European countries. To determine an individual’s travel requirements, the health background of individuals is considered.
Travell risks assessments are as follows:
- Evaluation of a person’s medical background and health risks
- How much travel has the person done in the past
- Does the destination have any infectious disease.
Depending on the risk strategy of a person, the recommendation could range from delaying travel to ability to travel or getting vaccinated before travel. Antibody titers provide clarity on an individual’s immunity to travel and whether they need specific vaccinations for the destination they are travelling to.
Please note that many travel vaccines require multiple shots over a period. It is important to plan these before travel occurs.
Pregnancy Planning
Psychological changes can occur during pregnancy. It is important that pregnant traveler consider the level of risk in pregnancy and prepare to manage those risks.
Before travelling consultation with an obstetric physician is highly recommended. There are various checklist items that should be checked for a pregnant traveler.
- Has the individual been vaccinated
- Does the individual need a titer done to make sure there is immunity to disease in the destination country
- Make sure the traveler has their medical records with them when travelling.
- Observation on any signals of pregnancy issues like changes in vision, chest pain, dizziness, swelling of hands and feet, belly pain etc.
Titers can help manage risk and reduce the impact on the fetus before travel. If an individual in not sure they have immunity to disease in their destination country, they should request a titer to be done to determine level of immunity. Vaccines help mitigate these risks.
After Vaccination
After being vaccinated, it is recommended that a person waits for four weeks before travelling. This is to ensure that the vaccine that was administered creates the necessary immunity for the person.
Depending on the country you are travelling to, the number of vaccines required could be significant. It is recommended that pre-travel research start months before travel. This gives the body enough time to create immunity before travel.
If Vaccination Records Are Lost
This section targets numerous long-tail searches.
Keeping vaccination records safe is important to track vaccinations that are expired and to avoid over administering vaccines. IN the United States vaccine records are required for safe keeping by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. A health care provider or a clinic administering vaccines are required to retain records of the vaccines they administer and submit data to the appropriate State agencies. A person’s vaccine records are available at the immunization information system (IIS) in your state.
SmarTest Labs can assist you if you are trying to locate your records.
If records cannot be found, the person will need to go through the various titer tests to determine their immunity to a disease. Once the tests are conducted the appropriate vaccines can be administered.
Who Needs an Antibody Titer Test?
Children need to receive their vaccines at the right age. These immunization records need to be presented at schools, colleges. Besides colleges and universities immunization is required for those in health care settings, health care students, pre-employment, staff in healthcare facilities, Teachers, employees who work closely with children, EMT’s, those who travel frequently and medical sales staff.
Laboratory workers are exposed to many pathogens. They are highly recommended to have all the appropriate vaccines.
Why Is an Antibody Titer Test Better Than Guessing Your Immunity?
There are occasions where vaccine documents cannot be found. This is common with people who have migrated to the United States from a different country making the United States unable to track their vaccine immunity. In these cases, proof of vaccination can be done with a Titer test to check for antigens in the person’s body. This helps provide clarity and avoids unnecessary vaccination of the person.
Vaccines costs are further managed if proper testing is done before unnecessary vaccination is conducted.
What Happens If Your Antibody Levels Are Low?
In the event your antibody titers return a low result it is best to re-test. Low antibodies can cause infections that recur. It is important to retest to confirm that the antibodies are present. If they are not your provider can assist with Ig replacement therapy and other procedures that will help increase your antibodies.
Common Antibody Titer Tests Offered
Some of the most common antibody vaccines include the following. If you are unsure of the antibodies in your system, it is recommended that antibody testing services be conducted to verify immunity.
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella Titer (MMR)
- This is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The disease can cause pneumonia and long-term complications.
- Measles is manifested with a fever, cough and red eyes followed by a rash that covers the body.
- Mumps is manifested with a fever, body aches, exhaustion and soar throat. This condition can cause hearing issues, swelling of the brain and reproductive issues in both men and women.
- Rubella is manifested with a fever, rash, eye irritation. Pregnant women should be cautious as it can cause a miscarriage.
Note: Pregnant women should not get the MMR vaccine while pregnant.
- Hepatitis B Titer
- Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by a virus
- If left untreated it becomes chronic
- It is contagious and spread through blood and body fluids
- Checking antibodies and administering vaccines are the best method to control the infection.
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Varicella is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster virus.
- It is contagious and is spread by contact
- Vaccines provide great immunity to the virus
- Tdap (Tetanus)
- Tetanus is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium
- Tetanus is a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment
- Vaccines are the best method to avoid getting tetanus
How Is an Antibody Titer Test Performed at SmarTest Labs?
SmarTest Labs a CLIA accredited laboratory, provides antibody testing, and we administer vaccines depending on the results of your titer. We conduct antibody testing at your location or at our laboratory. Our professional staff are trained and qualified to conduct these tests.
Schools, Health Systems, universities and other critical high contact services require that a person be immune to these contagious diseases. Vaccines are a simple way to prevent contracting these diseases.
We are a certified laboratory with physician oversight. All results are held is strict confidentiality and we use a strict chain of custody to maintain the confidentiality. We work to provide results within a week to address any requirements for vaccination. These titers and vaccines are a service SmarTest Labs provides across the Maryland, Virginia and WA DC area.
Frequently Asked Questions
An antibody titer is a blood draw used to determine if a person is immune or not to a viral infection like MMR, Hep B, Varicella or other diseases.
A titer test is quick since it is a blood draw. After we analyze your medical history to avoid contention with the vaccine, the test will not take more than 10 minutes to complete.
Titers are blood draws and vaccines are used to counter a virus that could cause severe disease caused by lack of immunity to the disease.
No, titers have their own records and vaccinations have their own recording system. This is important as all vaccination records are stored at the state level for tracking and monitoring in the even there is an outbreak. This allows the system to manage source of outbreaks in the even there is one. Titers are used to determine the presence or absence of antibodies.
Titers that are commonly required for nursing schools are MMR, Hepatitis and Varicella.
If your antibody titer is negative, a retest can be conducted or there should be a vaccine administered for the specific virus.
Fasting is not required for an antibody test.
There is no restriction to check your antibodies. However, if you were just vaccinated, there is not a need to check your immunity as your titer should show that you are immune to the virus of the vaccine that was administered. However, different vaccines can dimmish over time and your antibody tests should be re-done for disease like mumps that can wane over time. Diseases like measles and rubella provide immunity for life. Smartest Labs can provide guidance for these diseases.
Conclusion
SmarTest Labs assists you with determining your immunity. Schools, healthcare facilities, employers and other organizations will require proof of immunity. This helps each organization retain their compliance and enforcement of their policies. This in turn keeps everyone healthy and reduces the spread of disease.
Please schedule your tests with SmarTest Labs. We can assist you with the proper guidance and provide you with appropriate vaccines per your titer results.
Our contact information: 301-686-8566 or contact@smartestlabs.com.
Our address: 501 N. Frederick Avenue, Suite 106, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
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