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Titer Tests Available
The Braintree and Natick offices offer the following titer tests:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- MMR (measles, mumps rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Rabies
What is a Blood Titer Test?
A sample of blood is sent to the laboratory to determine if you have protective antibodies against a disease. Titer testing is also known an an immunity blood test. Often people need to check their immune status for school, employment, or before international travel. Sometimes vaccine records for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and MMR go missing, and the blood test allows you to check your immunity without vaccination. If a titer test result is positive, this means you are immune against the disease and do not need vaccination.
When Will I Receive My Test Result?
Blood samples are sent to a laboratory for diagnostic analysis and results typically return within 48 hours.
*For the rabies titer, allow 3-4 weeks for result.
Rabies Serology (Titer) Testing for Humans
Many veterinary medicine professionals, animal control officers, and international travelers protect against rabies virus exposure with the human rabies vaccine. Vaccination is given before a possible exposure because of the life-threatening nature of a rabies infection. For many people, verification of antibody status is recommended post-vaccination to ensure the individual experienced an adequate antibody response. In 2022, CDC updated guidelines for the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) also known as the rabies serology titer test.
Currently, only two laboratories in the US provide RFFIT testing and Destination Health Clinic has a partnership to submit samples for testing. Read more about rabies serology testing from the CDC. If you are a veterinary clinic looking for rabies titer testing for your employees, please contact Destination Health Clinic. We offer on-site testing for small groups and will send a nurse to your office to complete the blood draw. Destination Health Clinic maintains a partnership with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) to provide the rabies titer and rabies vaccine at a discount for members. Please contact our office for more information.
Who Needs a Titer Test
If you have plans to travel internationally you may choose to receive titer testing before a trip to check your immune status against common illnesses like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and MMR (measles). Immunity testing is especially helpful when vaccine records have been misplaced and you can’t find documents.
Additionally, many allied health professions require proof of immunity against common infectious diseases to protect themselves and their patients. This includes both students and licensed professionals in programs like nursing, medicine, respiratory therapy, EMTs, and patient care technicians.
In addition to health professionals, individuals in need of immigration exam (I-693) paperwork must provide proof of vaccination; titer testing is accepted in place of re-vaccination when shot records are not available.
Keep in mind, when a titer test result is “positive” it means you are protected against the disease with a previous vaccination. A “negative” result indicates the need for vaccination and in many cases, multiple doses are needed in order to be fully protected.
