Many organizations and institutions require proof of immunization these days, from schools to workplaces. Oftentimes people know they’ve been immunized but cannot track down the paperwork to prove it. Test Smartly Labs can run a blood test for you so you can prove you’ve been immunized and avoid getting immunized again.
What Is a "Titer"?
When using the term Blood Titer, the “Titer” refers to the amount of a specific type of antibody (a special blood protein) in a given volume of blood. The antibody titer is a test that detects the presence and measures the number of antibodies within a person’s blood. The amount and range of antibodies directly correlate to the strength of the body’s immune system. The titer test is done to prove immunity to a particular disease.
This test is important because a single antibody class is only effective in defending against one type of antigen. Having the required levels of an antibody in your bloodstream means that you are considered immune to the disease for which the blood Titer was performed. If not, you will generally need a vaccine or a booster.
Healthcare Worker Immunity Panel (Titers)
This blood test can determine if you’re immune to a disease, either because you’ve received a vaccination or you’ve had the disease already and are no longer susceptible. Positive titers mean you’re immune to a disease. Oftentimes healthcare workers need a standard panel run to prove immunizations. Here’s what our panel includes:
Additionally, in order to meet the growing threat of viruses around the world, Test Smartly Labs has adjusted and improved ourselves to meet needs in the SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing area. For more information, read our section of COVID-19 below or contact us.
Benefits of Direct Access Testing for Titers with Test Smartly Labs
Direct Access Testing is generally defined as consumer-initiated testing of human lab specimens. Also known as “patient-authorized” testing, this kind of testing is done without the physician’s requirement. Only a few states do not allow Direct access testing but where it is allowed, tests are commonly ordered by an individual without prior consultation with a physician or a physician’s request for testing.
This allows the patient to have direct control over the sensitivity of the results and who may see or not see them. It makes the Titer test more easily accessible to patients and may cost less, especially if the test is required by an institution.
To get a titer test to prove your immunity, contact us today.
Titers: Important Blood Tests for Immunity Defense
When using the term Blood Titer, the “Titer” refers to the amount of a specific type of antibody (a special blood protein) in a given volume of blood. The antibody titer is a test that detects the presence and measures the number of antibodies within a person’s blood.
The amount and range of antibodies directly correlate to the strength of the body’s immune system. The Titer test is done to prove immunity to a particular disease.
This test is important because a single antibody class is only effective in defending against one type of antigen. Having the required levels of an antibody in your bloodstream means that you are considered immune to the disease for which the blood Titer was performed. If not, you will generally need a vaccine or booster.
Who needs Titers?
Blood Titer results are also required from companies or in cases where it required by the person to be immune from certain diseases. If you’re required to get a blood titer, there’s a high chance you fall into one of these categories.
Getting accepted into an institution that will train you to provide healthcare and they require you to get tested
Employment in a healthcare company (e.g. staffing, medical device, pharmaceutical) and the company and/or hospital needs proof of a blood titer for employment
Proof that you are immune to specific diseases for personal reasons prescribed from a doctor (e.g. foreign travel or being around a new baby)
If your doctor has prescribed this test to you, it is to determine whether you need immunizations or if you’ve had any infection prior. The test also determines if you need a booster shot, whether you recently or currently have an infection which requires treatment, whether your immune system has a strong response to your own tissues which may indicate an autoimmune disorder and whether an immunization triggers a strong enough response against the disease it’s meant to protect you against.
List of Common Titers
Now that we know what blood Titers are used for, let’s get to the common Titers! The most common blood titers required are for hepatitis A Titer, Hepatitis B Titer, Hepatitis C Titer, MMR Titer, Varicella (chickenpox) blood Titers, Measles, Mumps or Rubella Titer and Tuberculosis Titer. Multiple other Titer tests also exist to check for immunity to a variety of diseases.
What to do with Titer Results (Adequate, Not)
A Titer Lab Report is generated by the lab that tested the blood sample. The Titer Lab Report must include the test type, exact values, signature, and date. There are two types of Titer test results. Quantitative vs. Qualitative titers – quantitative have a numerical value, while qualitative simply indicates “immune vs. non-immune” (with no numerical value.) Be sure to get the Titer results which are required by your respective authority. Quantitative tests are more appreciated.
In Titer results, immunity or non-immunity is based on the quantitative number of antibodies in blood. They compare the number of antibodies to a predetermined range of value which indicates immunity and the results then predict if they are adequate or not.
In case of the results being adequate, all is well and good. Just show your results to the body which required them and be on your way. There won’t be any need of medication or booster shots. In case of non-immune, things may get a bit complicated. If the titer for a specific disease shows that you’re not immune, you need to get vaccinated or re-vaccinated which is also known as getting a booster shot. Previous vaccination records maybe helpful in this case as Vaccinations for different diseases have different timelines and numbers of shots needed. Your physician can direct you regarding the next step. Once you have received the required shots for immunization, the titer test should not be conducted for another 6-8 weeks, otherwise the tests will come back non-immune as the effects of the vaccination are still in your blood stream.
Benefits of Direct Access Testing for Titers with Test Smartly Labs
Direct Access Testing is generally defined as consumer-initiated testing of human lab specimens. Also known as “patient-authorized" testing, this kind of testing is done without the physician’s requirement. Only a fewStates do not allow Direct access testing but where it is allowed, tests are commonly ordered by an individual without a prior consultation with a physician or a physician’s request for testing.
This allows the patient to have direct control over the sensitivity of the results and who may see or not see them. It makes the Titer test more easily accessible to patients and may cost less, especially if the test is required by an institution.
Contact Test Smartly Labs today for your Titer testing…
Unmanageable and skyrocketing lab tests are a thing of the past with Test Smartly Labs
We live in an era of rapidly advancing science and an endless desire for understanding. As technology and scientific studies advance our world into the future, human beings are able to unlock and explore their own inner workings in ways that were simply unimaginable just a few decades back.
Lab Testing as an Integral Part of Your Overall Fitness & Health Program
What does it actually mean to be fit and healthy?
Finding one particular definition of fitness or health is challenging. According to several dictionaries, fitness means – the state or quality of being fit. Well, fitness can mean different things for different people. But, one thing is certain for many, overall fitness is all about being healthier and feeling better.
Blood Titer results are often required in cases where the person in question needs to be immune from certain diseases. If you’re required to get a blood titer, there’s a high chance you fall into one of these categories:
Getting accepted into an institution that will train you to provide healthcare and who will require you to get tested
Employment in a healthcare company (e.g. staffing, medical device, pharmaceutical) where the company and/or hospital needs proof of a blood titer for employment
Proof that you are immune to specific diseases for personal reasons prescribed from a doctor (e.g. foreign travel, or being around a new baby)
If your doctor has prescribed this test to you, it is to determine whether you need immunizations or if you’ve had any infection prior. The test also determines if you need a booster shot, whether you recently or currently have an infection which requires treatment, whether your immune system has a strong response to your own tissues which may indicate an autoimmune disorder and whether an immunization triggers a strong enough response against the disease it’s meant to protect you against.
List of Common Titers
Now that we know what blood Titers are used for, let’s get to the common Titers! The most common blood titers required are for
Hepatitis A Titer
Hepatitis B Titer
Hepatitis C Titer
MMR Titer
Varicella (chickenpox) blood Titers
Measles, Mumps or Rubella Titer
Tuberculosis Titer
Multiple other Titer tests also exist to check for immunity to a variety of diseases.
What We Need
Be prepared for your lab test:
Make sure you have been Fasting for at least 10-12 hours for many blood tests
Make sure you are Hydrated for blood draw
Complete TSL Intake Form & HIPAA Disclosure
Pay for your lab test upfront (We don't process insurance claims but can provide you with information to submit your own insurance claim)
If you are having specialized testing, call ahead to help us determine if there are special collection preparations.
If you are interested in one of our health panels, please feel free to look at our web listing to help identify which one you want performed.
Please try to arrive 30 minutes prior to business closing to allow us time to process your samples for shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Your Hours?
All Test Smartly Labs are open Monday through Friday, from 9am - 5pm
The Overland Park Testing Center is also open from 9am – 1pm on Saturdays
Do We Need To Have An Appointment?
No appointment is required to come into our labs, and all of our locations are on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. If your situation requires special time considerations, please call us to determine if it would be better to arrange an appointment time.
Do I Need Doctors’ Orders For Testing?
No doctors’ orders needed, we are a Direct-Access Testing Center. You are encouraged to consult your medical professional with your lab test results.
What’s The Turnaround Time For Lab Work?
Average turnaround time is 2-5 business days depending on the complexity of the lab work. Most tests are available in 2-3 days.
Do You Need A List Of My Medications For A Drug Test?
Per protocol, the lab techs are not allowed to receive or ask for your medications. A medical review officer or MRO, a licensed physician who specializes in toxicology, will call you and ask for your medications and your physician’s phone number if it’s detected in your sample during testing. The MRO will then call your physician to verify your medications.
What to do with Titer Results
A Titer Lab Report is generated by the lab that tested the blood sample. The Titer Lab Report must include the test type, exact values, signature, and date. There are two types of Titer test results. Quantitative vs. Qualitative titers – quantitative has a numerical value, while qualitative simply indicates “immune vs. non-immune” (with no numerical value.) Be sure to get the Titer results which are required by your respective authority. Quantitative tests are more appreciated.
In the case of the results being adequate, all is well and good. Just show your results to the body which required them and be on your way. There won’t be any need for medication or booster shots. In the case of non-immune, things may get a bit complicated. If the titer for a specific disease shows that you’re not immune, you need to get vaccinated or re-vaccinated which is also known as getting a booster shot. Previous vaccination records may be helpful in this case as Vaccinations for different diseases have different timelines and numbers of shots needed. Your physician can direct you regarding the next step. Once you have received the required shots for immunization, the titer test should not be conducted for another 6-8 weeks, otherwise, the tests will come back non-immune as the effects of the vaccination are still in your bloodstream.
The SARS-CoV-2 is serological testing for those individuals who may have had COVID-19 symptoms but are no longer symptomatic. The antibody tests determine the presence of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that leads to COVID-19.
Tests are offered for 3 major classes of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG, IgM & IgA). These tests have not been reviewed by the FDA, but are being offered by LabCorp in accordance with the public health emergency guidance issued by the FDA on March 16, 2020
If you need more information or wish to schedule a SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test, contact Test Smartly Labs today.
