RABIES ANTIBODY TITER TEST

Description

WHAT IS A RABIES ANTIBODY TITER LAB TEST?

The Rabies Antibody Titer Test is a Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) that is used to monitor rabies antibodies levels in a person.

WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR A RABIES TITER TEST? 

$180.00

*Price may vary by location – contact your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®

DESCRIPTION:

The Rabies Titer Test or RFFIT is used to monitor rabies antibody levels in someone who may have an occupational risk of rabies, such as veterinarians or rabies lab workers, or someone who has been exposed to rabies and needs to be monitored to ensure that the vaccination is effective.  Usually, testing is not necessary if the standard protocol is followed for the rabies vaccination after an animal bite.

The Rabies Antibody Titer is an estimation of a person’s immune response against the rabies virus.    Survival after exposure to and infection with the rabies virus is more likely to occur the higher the titer level at the time of infection.

WHY DO I NEED A RABIES ANTIBODY TITER LAB TEST?

If a person has been bitten by an animal that may have rabies (or it can’t be tested) or are regularly exposed to the rabies virus there are several reasons to get a Rabies Antibody Titer Test:

• The person is immunosuppressed and it is important to ensure that the antibodies are being properly produced by the vaccine.
• The standard course of the vaccine was interrupted so it is unclear whether enough antibodies were developed.
• The vaccine was obtained internationally and it isn’t clear if the vaccine was effective.
• The person has regular occupational exposure to the rabies virus and it is important to ensure that they have proper antibodies levels for ongoing protection against the virus.

A rapid immune response is ideal after being infected which is why additional doses of rabies vaccines are recommended after infection, even if the person has previously been vaccinated.

TEST DETAILS:

Antibody levels are highest 2 to 3 weeks after a primary rabies vaccine series.  The titer levels drop gradually over time so a second infection with the rabies virus may require a Rabies Antibody Titer Test to determine whether a booster rabies vaccine or another series is recommended.

NORMAL RESULTS:

A cut-off titer for adequate immunization is between 6-12 IU/mL in healthy individuals completing the vaccination series.

HIGH RESULTS:

High results indicate that the person has adequate immunization against the rabies virus.

LOW RESULTS:

Low results may indicate that the person is not adequately immunized against the rabies virus.

WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN SHOULD I SEE?

See your primary care physician.