Titer

Titer tests (antibody blood tests) measure your immune response to vaccines or past infections. They are commonly used to prove immunity for school, work, travel, healthcare credentialing, and after completing a vaccine series. Titers can also help clinicians check post-vaccination response in people with weakened immune systems.

A proactive plan starts by selecting the specific titers required (for example, MMR—measles, mumps, rubella; varicella-zoster; hepatitis?B surface antibody; tetanus/diphtheria IgG). Draw blood at least 3–4 weeks after vaccination for the clearest results. Remember: titers do not diagnose active infection and do not guarantee protectionfor every disease—thresholds and acceptance rules vary. Always review results with your clinician and follow program requirements.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

Documentation & compliance

School admission, clinical rotations, and healthcare employment

Immigration, travel programs, or volunteer placements

Pre-placement or annual audits for MMR, varicella, hepatitis?B, tetanus/diphtheria (± pertussis, where accepted)

Care planning

Post-vaccination checks after completing a series (e.g., hepatitis?B)

People on immunosuppressive therapy confirming response, per clinician

Pregnancy & family planning

Rubella or varicella IgG status when planning pregnancy (clinician-guided)

Not for diagnosing today’s symptoms

If you’re ill now, diagnostic tests (PCR/antigen, cultures) are used instead of titers

Program rules and medical decisions require clinician review.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

Provide proof of immunity for program and employer requirements

Confirm serologic response after vaccination (e.g., post-series hepatitis?B)

Establish baselines and trends when clinicians monitor immune response

What testing cannot do

Diagnose active infection or determine contagiousness

Guarantee lifetime protection—antibodies can wane, and protective thresholds vary by disease and assay

Replace recommended vaccination/boosters or your clinician’s judgment

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) IgG: evidence of immunity to each virus; often required for schools and healthcare workers.

Varicella-Zoster (Chickenpox) IgG: shows past infection or vaccine response; commonly required for clinical placements.

Hepatitis?B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs): indicates vaccine-induced protection or recovery from infection; drawn ≥3–4 weeks after a series or booster.

Tetanus & Diphtheria IgG: used for documentation; note that pertussis IgG acceptance varies by institution.

Hepatitis?A IgG: sometimes requested for travel or employment.

Other disease-specific titers (as requested): e.g., polio neutralizing antibodies (select programs).

Result formats: qualitative (positive/negative), quantitative (units), or semi-quantitative; some reports include disease-specific reference cutoffs. Methods are not interchangeable—compare results from the same assay when trending.

Quick Build Guide

Documentation goal Start with Add if needed

Healthcare/clinical placement MMR IgG • Varicella IgG • Hepatitis?B surface Ab • Tetanus/Diphtheria IgG Pertussis IgG (only if your program accepts it)

School/immigration package MMR IgG • Varicella IgG Hepatitis?B surface Ab • Hepatitis?A IgG

Post-vaccine check (Hep?B) Hepatitis?B surface Ab (≥3–4 wks post-series) Repeat after booster if nonreactive (clinician-directed)

Pregnancy planning Rubella IgG • Varicella IgG Draw timing per clinician

Immunocompromised monitoring Program-required titers Repeat testing per clinician plan

How the Testing Process Works

Select the required titers: match your school/employer/travel form exactly.

Time your draw: for post-vaccination checks, test 3–4 weeks after the last dose (or as your clinician advises). Fasting is not required.

Get your blood draw: visit a nearby patient service center; results post to your secure account, typically within a few days.

Review & submit: compare to your report’s reference ranges and your program’s criteria; upload documentation as requested.

Plan follow-up: if nonreactive, your clinician may recommend revaccination and a repeat titer.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

Reactive/Positive: consistent with immunity or prior exposure; many programs accept this as proof when method and units are documented.

Nonreactive/Negative: may reflect no immunity, early testing, or waning antibodies—your clinician may advise vaccination and retesting.

Equivocal/Borderline: often retest or vaccinate, depending on the program and clinical context.

Quantitative values: higher numbers generally mean more antibodies, but no single level guarantees protectionfor every disease. Always follow program rules and clinician guidance.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

Program bundle: select a titer package that matches your checklist (e.g., MMR + Varicella + Hep?B + Tetanus/Diphtheria).

Single-purpose check: order the one antibody you need (e.g., anti-HBs after a series).

Add-ons: include Hepatitis?A IgG or other titers only when specifically requested.

FAQs

Do I need to fast for titer testing?
No. Titers are standard blood tests without fasting.

When should I test after a vaccine?
Wait at least 3–4 weeks after the final dose for a reliable reading.

Will a past infection always make my titer positive?
Not always. Antibodies can wane. Some diseases also rely on cellular immunity, which titers don’t measure.

My titer is negative—do I need the whole series again?
Follow your clinician’s plan and your institution’s policy. Some programs allow a booster followed by a repeat titer.

Are all pertussis (whooping cough) titers accepted?
Acceptance varies. Many programs prioritize Tdap vaccination records over pertussis IgG results.

Can I use titers to diagnose infection right now?
No. Use diagnostic tests (PCR/antigen/culture) for current illness.

Will my lab report include a protective level?
Often yes, when established. Your report lists the reference range for that assay.

Related Categories & Key Tests

Immunity & Titer Tests Hub

COVID-19 Antibody Tests • TB & QuantiFERON Tests • Immunity Tests • Immunoglobulins • Employment & Deployment Testing

Key Tests: Measles IgG • Mumps IgG • Rubella IgG (MMR) • Varicella-Zoster IgG • Hepatitis?B surface antibody (anti-HBs) • Hepatitis?A IgG • Tetanus IgG • Diphtheria IgG • Pertussis IgG

Measles Antibody (IgG)

Measles Antibody (IgM)

MMR (IgG) Panel (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Titers

Rubella Antibodies (IgG, IgM)

Rubella Antibody (IgM)

Varicella (Chicken Pox) IgG Antibody Titer Test

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody (IgM)

Hepatitis A Antibody, Total (IgM - IgG)

Tetanus Titer Test

Tetanus & Diphtheria Titer Test

Diphtheria Titer Test (DPT)

Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody (Immunity Screen)

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Serologic evidence of immunity and adult immunization guidance.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — Recommendations on documentation of immunity.

Infectious Diseases Society of America — Use of serologic testing in vaccine-preventable diseases.

World Health Organization — Serology standards and vaccine program guidance.

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute — Best practices for serology and assay interpretation.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Titer Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use filters to choose exactly the titers your form requires—MMR, varicella, hepatitis?B, tetanus/diphtheria, and others. For post-vaccine checks, draw 3–4 weeks after the last dose, then review results with your clinician before submitting documentation..

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Documentation goal	Start with	Add if needed
Healthcare/clinical placement	MMR IgG • Varicella IgG • Hepatitis?B surface Ab • Tetanus/Diphtheria IgG	Pertussis IgG (only if your program accepts it)
School/immigration package	MMR IgG • Varicella IgG	Hepatitis?B surface Ab • Hepatitis?A IgG
Post-vaccine check (Hep?B)	Hepatitis?B surface Ab (≥3–4 wks post-series)	Repeat after booster if nonreactive (clinician-directed)
Pregnancy planning	Rubella IgG • Varicella IgG	Draw timing per clinician
Immunocompromised monitoring	Program-required titers	Repeat testing per clinician plan

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Varicella Immunity Screen

The Varicella Immunity Screen is a reliable blood test that measures antibodies to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) to confirm protection from chickenpox and shingles. Unlike the Varicella Titer Test, this screen accurately detects immunity from both natural infection and vaccination. Doctors order it to meet school, healthcare, or travel requirements, verify vaccine response, and provide dependable documentation of immune status against varicella.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

Also Known As: Varicella Titer Screen, Varicella Zoster Virus Antibody Screen

$318.17
$90.95
Save: 71.41%
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Rabies Vaccine Response End Point Titer

$167.95
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Student Titers Panel Most Popular

The Student Titers Panel evaluates immunity to key infections often required for school or healthcare enrollment. It includes Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Measles IgG, Mumps IgG, Rubella IgG, Varicella-Zoster Virus IgG, and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus for tuberculosis. Results confirm vaccination response or past exposure, helping students meet program requirements and ensure protection against preventable diseases.

Specimen Type: Blood, Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

$285.80
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Student Health Immunity Titers

Specimen Type: Serum, Blood

Collection: Phlebotomist

$285.80
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Student Health Titers Base Panel

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection: Phlebotomist

$139
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Immunity Detection and Titer Testing FAQs

Vaccinations aren't as readily available as you may think. Many areas throughout the United States don't have the healthcare access needed to administer vaccinations to nearby areas. This leaves large chunks of the population at risk for developing preventable conditions.

Vaccinations are crucial, especially during a time when we're all on the go every single day. We need adequate protection from everyday ailments.

Even if you had all of your shots when you were younger, you might no longer have an immune response. This is why everyone needs immunity detection and titer testing.

This serological testing can help your healthcare provider determine what your immunization status is for different conditions. In response, you and your healthcare provider can make a plan for your healthcare moving forward.

To learn more about antibody testing and antibody titer options, keep reading.

What Is Immunity Detection and Titer Testing?

Overall, immunity ... See more

Vaccinations are crucial, especially during a time when we're all on the go every single day. We need adequate protection from everyday ailments.

Even if you had all of your shots when you were younger, you might no longer have an immune response. This is why everyone needs immunity detection and titer testing.

To learn more about antibody testing and antibody titer options, keep reading.

What Is Immunity Detection and Titer Testing?

Overall, immunity detection and titer testing help you and your healthcare professional understand what conditions you do and do not have immunity against. Even if you've had the vaccine for a disease, it doesn't mean that your body retains the immunity past a few years.

These kinds of tests use a sample of your blood to test for an immune response. By exposing that sample of blood to the virus or bacteria that you're testing, you can see whether or not you're immune to the condition.

If you're not, you need to update your shots. It's important to stay up-to-date on all of your vaccines so that you're protected from these preventable diseases.

What Are the Risks for Low Immunity and Low Titer Levels?

The most common risk for low immunity is lack of vaccination. If you haven't gotten the vaccine for a particular condition, it's unlikely that your body will have a good immune response to the disease or virus. Even if you've had the disease before, your immune response may not be as strong as it should be.

Another risk for low immunity is receiving the vaccination for a condition a long time ago. Many of us get very important vaccinations near the beginning of our lives. If we don't update these shots as needed, we could lose immunity over time.

Lastly, individuals with immunodeficiencies could experience problems retaining proper immune responses. Their bodies don't have the strength necessary to fight some of these conditions. So, it's even more important for these individuals to get antibody testing to determine what vaccinations they need to update.

What Diseases Can You Test for Immunity and Titer Levels?

Fortunately, the scientific community has formed plenty of serological testing possibilities for different conditions. From measles to diphtheria, there's an immune response test.

If you're worried about a specific condition, you should ask your healthcare provider about vaccination against that particular condition.

You may work with patients who have chickenpox. You may be at a high risk for developing tetanus at work. Whatever the case, you should let your healthcare provider know so that they can help you come up with an immunization plan.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Low Immunity Detection and Low Titer Levels?

You're more likely to develop conditions if you have an impaired immune system or a low or nonexistent immune response. Specifically, you're going to be at risk for developing the disease(s) that you're not protected against.

If you happen to contract the disease that you're not protected against, you will show signs and symptoms that are consistent with the disease.

Unfortunately, there's no way to determine your immune response to a disease unless you get antibody testing or contract the disease. This is why we strongly encourage you to get your tests and vaccinations done now rather than worrying about how your body may react later.

How Are Immunity Detection and Titer Levels Diagnosed?

To measure your immune response to various conditions, you have to get lab work done. This is the only way to diagnose immunity before a live infection from the pathogen associated with the disease in question.

With a titer or immunity test, you'll have your blood drawn at a patient service center. Your blood specimen will be sent to a national laboratory where it will be tested for antibodies (an immune response) to the condition you are testing for.

If your specimen doesn't have a response, you're not immune to the condition.

The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Immunity Detection and Titer Levels

There are plenty of lab tests for various conditions that you may want to check your immunity for.

At Ulta Labs, we offer immunity detection and titer testing for a variety of conditions:

Our antibody titer tests can help you determine whether or not you have the protection that you need from various conditions. It would be best if you never assumed that you're immune to a disease. Instead of guessing, you need to get real results from these antibody tests.

Get Your Immunity Detection and Titer Testing With Ulta Lab Tests

If you're looking to determine your immunization status, you need immunity detection and titer testing.

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

You'll get secure and confidential results
You don't need health insurance
You don't need a physician's referral
You'll get affordable pricing
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your immunity detection and titer testing today and, your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!

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