What Is a Titer?
A titer looks at the amount of a substance that is in a solution. In the field of immunology, a titer is the measure of the amount of antibodies found in the blood that would signal that a person might have been exposed to or vaccinated against a particular virus or bacteria. For example, a healthcare provider may order a measles titer, hep B titer, varicella titer, or rabies titer test to measure if you still have the ability to fight off a specific disease. In general, a high titer indicates a high number of antibodies and possible immunity either from previous exposure or vaccination.
How Is a Titer Test Performed?
A titer test is performed using a blood sample. There is no fasting or special prep required for the test. The sample is sent to a lab, and the results are normally available within 24 to 72 hours.
How Long Should I Wait After an Immunization Before Getting a Titer?
In general, you should wait six to eight weeks after completing the appropriate vaccination regimen to have a titer drawn. Having a titer drawn too early may result in a false negative since you’ll still be in the process of developing antibodies.
MD Now providers offer titer tests at all of our locations in Indian River, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. We are open seven days a week with extended hours, and you never need an appointment.
Who Should Have a Titer Test?
Titer tests are most commonly performed in the following situations:
- During pregnancy to confirm immunity to rubella and other diseases that can cause harm to the mother and developing baby.
- For children and adults exposed during an outbreak and who are unsure if they were previously vaccinated.
- Healthcare workers, following a needle stick.
- Children and adults who have lost their vaccination records may need an MMR titer or other titers performed to confirm immunity for work or school.
- Individuals, such as veterinarians, who are at high risk for contracting rabies.
- Children adopted from overseas when their vaccination history cannot be confirmed
