Occupational Health Services - Blood Titers
Last Updated: January 29, 2025
- Table of Contents
- Content
- Titer Overview
- Individual Tests
- Stakeholder Benefits
- Industries that can benefit from titer testing
Titer Overview
Titer testing, also known as serology testing or antibody testing, is a laboratory technique used to measure the concentration of antibodies in a person's blood against specific pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to infection or vaccination, and they play a crucial role in defending the body against pathogens. Titer testing is the primary method of confirming vaccination status.
Through US Drug Testing’s titer and immunity testing, employers, students, and individuals can understand key health information in a fast, safe, secure, and convenient testing program. These titers provide stakeholders with assessments of immunity, help understand vaccine effectiveness, avoid preventable diseases, and to remain in compliance with any vaccination requirements or confirmation of immunity.
Employers, especially in specific industries, can stay compliant of any regulations or requirements while ensuring workplace safety and business continuity. Students can stay ahead of any educational requirements, be safe in crowded or communal living environments, and individuals are empowered to make informed health decisions and to avoid preventable diseases.
US Drug Testing offers the following essential antibody tests:
US Drug Testing offers best-in-class titer testing, accurately measuring antibodies in an individual’s blood. Through partnerships with top CLIA laboratories, you can be sure that the sample collection, laboratory analysis, and result interpretation will be accurate, timely, and secure.
Individual Tests
MMR
Measles, mumps, and rubella are three separate viral infections that can cause various symptoms and health complications. Measles is highly contagious and characterized by a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red rash; it can lead to pneumonia and encephalitis and can be fatal. Mumps is characterized by swollen and painful salivary glands, fever, headache, and muscle aches; complications include orchitis (swelling of the testicles in males), oophoritis (swelling of the ovaries in females), encephalitis, and deafness. Rubella, while less severe than measles and mumps, can still pose risks, especially to pregnant women.
The MMR vaccine is commonly administered to provide immunity to all three diseases. Immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella can be assessed with Us Drug Test Centers titer testing.
Test Purpose
This test is used to assess immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, either from a previous infection or vaccination, and is appropriate for anyone concerned about their susceptibility to these diseases, especially healthcare workers, students, and travelers.
According to the CDC, people who receive MMR vaccination are usually protected for life against measles and rubella, but immunity against mumps may decrease over time. Some people may no longer be protected against mumps later in life.
Test Includes
This blood test screens for:
- Measles IgG antibodies
- Mumps IgG antibodies
- Rubella IgG antibodies
This test detects the presence of IgG antibodies, which typically remain in the bloodstream for years, providing long-term immunity to the viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella.
Titer Benefits
Confirming your immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella may be required before entering high-risk environments, and can also provide peace of mind to individuals who are concerned with exposure. A booster vaccine may be recommended if antibody levels are insufficient.
Varicella
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is responsible for causing two distinct diseases: chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster). Chickenpox is highly contagious and characterized by an itchy skin rash. Shingles is characterized by a painful rash and occurs when the virus reactivates from a dormant state within nerve cells.
Immunity to the varicella-zoster virus can be assessed with US Drug Test Centers titer testing.
Test Purpose
This test is used to assess immunity to the varicella-zoster virus, either from a previous infection or vaccination, and is appropriate for anyone concerned about their current immunity to VZV infection. It is not used to diagnose an active infection with either chickenpox or shingles.
Test Includes
This blood test screens for:
- VZV IgG antibodies
This test detects the presence of IgG antibodies, which typically remain in the bloodstream for years, providing long-term immunity against VZV.
Titer Benefits
Confirming your immunity to VZV can provide peace of mind before entering high-risk environments such as schools, certain employment opportunities, or to assure individual’s continued immunity . A booster vaccine may be recommended if antibody levels are insufficient.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water or through close personal contact with an infected individual.
The hepatitis A vaccine, commonly administered during childhood, is very effective at preventing infection. For those unsure about their vaccine status, immunity to the hepatitis A virus can be assessed with US Drug Testing Centers titer test.
Test Purpose
This test is used to assess immunity to the hepatitis A virus, either from a previous infection or vaccination. It is recommended for individuals who want to confirm their immunity to hepatitis A, especially those at higher risk of exposure, who may be exposed at work, or are planning to travel to regions with a higher prevalence of the virus.
Test Includes
This blood test screens for:
- HAV IgG antibodies
- HAV IgM antibodies
This test detects total antibodies against the hepatitis A virus (HAV), but does not differentiate between IgG antibodies and IgM antibodies. It is not used to differentiate between vaccination, previously resolved infection, or active infection.
Titer Benefits
Hepatitis A is rarely life-threatening, but it can make you ill for several weeks or months or potentially affect an individual’s employment. Confirming your immunity can provide peace of mind, especially ahead of travel.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. While some individuals with hepatitis B experience a short illness lasting only a few weeks, others develop a serious, lifelong illness known as chronic hepatitis B.
The hepatitis B vaccine, commonly administered during childhood, is very effective at preventing infection. For those unsure about their vaccine status, immunity to the hepatitis B virus can be assessed with US Drug Testing Centers titer testing.
Test Purpose
This test is used to assess immunity to the hepatitis B virus, either from a previous infection or vaccination. It is appropriate for anyone concerned about their susceptibility to hepatitis B. It is especially useful for those working in healthcare and laboratory settings who may be at increased risk of exposure.
Test Includes
This blood test screens for:
- HBsAg antibodies
This quantitative test measures the concentration of antibodies against the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the bloodstream. It provides a numerical value indicating the strength of the immune response to hepatitis B.
Titer Benefits
Hepatitis B can cause serious, lifelong illness. Confirming your immunity can provide peace of mind, especially for those at increased risk of exposure.
Most people who receive the full hepatitis B vaccine series develop long-lasting immunity. However, some individuals may experience a decline in antibody levels over time. A booster vaccine may be recommended if antibody levels are insufficient.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. While some individuals with hepatitis C experience a short-term illness, others develop a long-term infection known as chronic hepatitis C, which can lead to serious problems including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
Unlike hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
People with chronic hepatitis C often display no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they typically indicate advanced liver disease. Testing is crucial for early detection and lifesaving intervention.
Test Purpose
This test is for anyone concerned about exposure to the hepatitis C virus. The CDC recommends one-time testing for all adults and routine testing for individuals with a higher risk of exposure, including anyone who has received maintenance hemodialysis and those who share needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs.
Test Includes
This blood test screens for:
- HCV antibodies
This test detects the presence of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus in the bloodstream. If antibodies are detected, it also quantifies the amount of viral RNA (genetic material) present, in order to distinguish between a past infection (where antibodies may still be present but the virus has been cleared by the immune system) and an ongoing active infection (where both antibodies and viral RNA are present).
Titer Benefits
Treatment options for hepatitis C have advanced significantly in recent years, with highly effective antiviral medications available. Early detection and intervention can lead to better outcomes, and testing provides valuable information about the status of the infection. Awareness of your infection status can also impact employment or travel.
Stakeholder Benefits
Employers
For employers in certain industries, titer testing is an essential part of providing a safe workplace while minimizing liability and ensuring business continuity. While titer testing is commonly required for healthcare employees, there are a wide range of industries where employers benefit from US Drug Testing Centers titer screenings.
Employer benefits include:
➜ Workplace Safety
By verifying immune status through titer testing, employers can better protect the health of their existing workforce, as well as new hires. This is particularly crucial in industries where employees may be at higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Knowing employees' immunity levels helps in implementing targeted preventive measures and ensuring a safer work environment.
➜ Regulatory Compliance
Depending on the industry and jurisdiction, specific employee health and safety regulations and guidelines may be in place. Proactively utilizing titer and immunity testing demonstrates a commitment to compliance with these standards, which reduce legal risks and potential financial liabilities associated with workplace health issues.
➜ Cost Savings
Use of titer testing can create cost savings by avoiding unnecessary vaccinations and medical interventions. Importantly, it can also mitigate the economic impact of outbreaks or widespread illness among employees, such as reduced productivity, increased healthcare expenses, and potential legal costs. Ensure business continuity and avoid negative publicity by employing titer testing.
➜ Reduced Absenteeism
Immunity testing helps identify individuals who may be at risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases. By proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities, employers can reduce the likelihood of outbreaks within the workplace. In turn, this lowers absenteeism and maintains productivity levels, as fewer employees will be sidelined by preventable illnesses.
➜ Employee Engagement and Satisfaction
Implementing titer and immunity testing programs can enhance employee satisfaction by demonstrating an employer's commitment to health and workplace safety.
Students
Titer and immunity testing can be essential for students. US Drug Testing Centers titer screenings can empower students to meet any necessary educational and enrollment requirements, to stay safe in large groups of students, to make informed decisions about their health, and to contribute to public safety.
Student benefits include:
➜ Compliance with School Requirements
Many educational institutions, particularly colleges and universities, have immunization requirements for enrollment. Titer testing can allow students to demonstrate compliance with these requirements by verifying their immunity to specific diseases.
➜ Healthcare Student Requirements
Students pursuing healthcare-related fields, such as medicine, nursing, or other health professions may be required to undergo titer testing as part of their clinical placements. By proactively undergoing titer testing, they ensure that they are adequately protected against diseases they may encounter in healthcare settings.
➜ Personal Health and Safety
Titer and immunity testing provide students with insights into their current immune status. This knowledge allows them to take proactive steps to protect their health, such as getting necessary vaccinations or boosters. By ensuring immunity through testing and vaccination, students can reduce the likelihood of missing classes or falling behind in their studies due to preventable illnesses.
➜ Preventing/Avoiding Disease Outbreaks
In settings such as dormitories, classrooms, and communal living environments, students often come into close contact with each other. Titer testing helps individuals identify if they may be at risk of spreading infectious diseases, thereby reducing the likelihood of outbreaks and promoting a healthier campus environment.
Individuals
Individuals can benefit immensely from US Drug Testing Centers titer testing. By proactively taking charge of their health and understanding their immunization status, individuals receive personalized health information which can support preventive healthcare strategies while ensuring compliance with any future vaccine requirements.
➜ Health Empowerment
Titer and immunity testing provides individuals with personalized information about their immune status against specific preventable diseases. This knowledge allows them to make informed decisions about their health, especially in high-risk environments or when traveling to regions with prevalent diseases.
➜ Peace of Mind
For individuals concerned about their health or facing specific health risks, immunity testing offers peace of mind. It provides reassurance that they are adequately protected against certain diseases or identifies areas where additional precautions may be necessary.
➜ Informed Decision Making
Awareness of their antibody levels can help individuals determine if they need vaccinations or booster shots. This ensures vaccines are administered when necessary, avoiding unnecessary vaccinations and potential side effects.
➜ Compliance with Future Requirements
Some employers, educational institutions, and travel destinations require proof of immunity against certain diseases. Immunity testing allows individuals to demonstrate compliance with these requirements proactively, efficiently, and accurately.
Industries that can benefit from titer testing
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Hospitals Clinics Physician Offices Rehabilitation Centers Hospice Skilled Nursing Facilities Dentist Offices Dialysis Centers School Nurses Phlebotomy Providers In-Home Care Providers Long-Term Care Facilities Pharmacy Laboratory Service Providers |
Pharmaceutical Research Biotechnology Firms Emergency Service Providers Firefighters EMTs Police Officers Public Safety Officers Public Transportation Corrections Officers Manufacturing Companies Food Service Providers Hotel & Hospitality Employees Cruise Ships Government |
Educational Institutions Schools Colleges Tutors Childcare Providers Daycare Airlines Airport Workers Entertainers Venue Employees Stadiums & Concert Halls Conference Centers Transportation Companies |
