Measles Immunity Test Most Popular

The Measles Immunity Test test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The Measles Titer, also known as the Measles Serology test, is a laboratory test used to measure the level of specific antibodies against the measles virus in a person's blood. This test helps determine a person's immune status to measles and assesses their level of protection against the virus.

Also Known As: Rubeola Test, Measles Virus Test, Measles Titer test

Collection Method: Blood draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 2 to 3 days

When is a Measles Antibody IgG test ordered?

A Measles Titer may be ordered in the following situations:

1. Immunity Assessment: The test is commonly performed to assess a person's immunity to measles. It is often ordered for individuals who have not received the measles vaccine or have an unknown vaccination history. The test helps determine if they have developed antibodies against the virus and are protected.

2. Confirmation of Vaccination Response: The Measles Titer can also be used to confirm a person's response to the measles vaccine. It is typically ordered after vaccination to ensure adequate antibody production and immunity.

3. Diagnostic Aid: In cases where measles infection is suspected, the Measles Titer can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis by detecting the presence of specific antibodies against the measles virus.

What does a a Measles Antibody IgG blood test check for?

The viruses that cause measles and mumps belong to the Paramyxoviridae family. They both induce infections that normally go away within a few days, but in rare situations, they might lead to significant problems. Both can be avoided by being vaccinated. Antibodies developed in response to infection may be detected in the blood during measles and mumps testing. In addition, employing culture or a molecular approach such as polymerase chain reaction, the virus or its genetic material can be detected directly in a sample. These techniques can be used to a wide range of samples.

The number of instances of measles and mumps infections in the United States has dropped from several hundred thousand to a few hundred per year. Comprehensive measles and mumps immunization campaigns are to blame for the declines. While vaccines exist for each virus, combination vaccines, such as MMR, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella all at once, are commonly used. In recent years, the majority of new cases in the United States have occurred in rare outbreaks, mostly among persons who have not been vaccinated, particularly those who have gone to places of the world where measles or mumps are more common.

Rubeola, often known as measles, is a highly contagious viral infection spread through respiratory secretions. The virus infects cells in the lungs and back of the throat, causing symptoms such as a fever that is high, red eyes, a dry cough, sensitivity to light, a sore throat, runny nose tiny white spots inside the mouth, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body after 1 to 2 weeks.

The majority of patients recover in a few weeks, but up to 20% of them experience consequences such as ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, or, in rare cases, encephalitis or blindness. People who are malnourished, deficient in vitamin A, or have weakened immune systems are more likely to be affected. Women who are pregnant and infected with measles are more likely to have a miscarriage or go into labor prematurely.

Vaccination has greatly reduced the number of persons infected with measles in the United States and many other countries of the world, but the World Health Organization (WHO) still considers measles to be a top cause of mortality in children under the age of five. Measles killed roughly 145,700 individuals worldwide in 2013, according to their estimates, the majority of whom were youngsters under the age of five.

The outcome of the immunization campaign In the United States, endemic measles was declared eradicated in 2000. Small outbreaks, however, continue to occur on a yearly basis. The majority of cases occur in people who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, and most outbreaks are linked to travel to locations where measles outbreaks are happening.

According to the CDC, 911 cases of measles were reported from 63 outbreaks between 2001 and 2011. With almost 600 cases recorded in 2014, the United States experienced the greatest number of measles cases in 20 years. Many were linked to visitors who had visited the Philippines, where there had been an unusually significant outbreak of over 50,000 cases.

The CDC, as well as the medical communities in the United States and around the world, remain worried and watchful. Measles is still endemic in many parts of the world, there is always the possibility of travelers spreading the disease, and small percentages of the population remain unvaccinated.

Sample Ulta Lab Tests view of Measles IgG Antibody Results

Sample Quest Result Report view of Measles IgG Antibody Results

Lab tests often ordered with a Measles Antibody IgG test:

• Measles Antibody IgM
• Mumps Antibody tests
• Rubella Antibody tests
• Varicella Zoster Virus Antibody tests
• Tuberculosis
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

Conditions where a Measles Antibody IgG test is recommended:

A Measles Titer may be ordered in the following scenarios:

1. Immunity Assessment: Individuals who have not received the measles vaccine or have an unknown vaccination history may undergo the Measles Titer to determine if they have developed immunity to the virus.

2. Confirmation of Vaccination Response: The test is useful for confirming a person's immune response to the measles vaccine. It helps ensure that adequate antibodies have been produced, indicating protection against measles.

3. Suspected Measles Infection: In cases where measles infection is suspected, the Measles Titer can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis by detecting the presence of specific antibodies against the virus.

How does my health care provider use a Measles Antibody IgG test?

Health care providers use the results of a Measles Titer in the following ways:

1. Immunity Assessment: A high titer suggests the presence of measles-specific IgG antibodies, indicating immunity to the virus. This provides assurance that the person is protected against future measles infections.

2. Confirmation of Vaccination Response: If a person's titer is high after receiving the measles vaccine, it indicates a successful immune response to the vaccine and the development of protective antibodies.

3. Diagnostic Aid: In suspected cases of measles, a positive Measles Titer, along with compatible symptoms and a clinical history, supports a diagnosis of measles.

It is important to note that the interpretation of results should be done in consultation with a healthcare provider. Clinical presentation, vaccination history, and additional laboratory tests may be considered to arrive at an accurate diagnosis or assess immunity to the measles virus.

What do my Measles IgG Antibody test results mean?

When IgM antibodies to measles are present in someone who hasn't been vaccinated recently, it's likely that they have a current measles infection. When both IgM and IgG antibodies are present, or there is a fourfold increase in concentrations between acute and convalescent IgG antibody testing, it is likely that the person is now infected or has recently been infected with measles.

When a person who has been vaccinated and/or is not currently ill possesses measles IgG antibodies, that individual is protected from infection. A person is not deemed immune to the virus if they do not have measles IgG antibodies. This could be due to the fact that the person hasn't been exposed to the virus, the IgG hasn't had enough time to mature, or the person doesn't have a typical antibody response.

Most Common Questions About the Measles IgG Antibody test:

Understanding the Measles Titer Test

What is the Measles Titer test?

The Measles Titer test is a blood test that measures the concentration of measles antibodies, known as titers, in the blood. These antibodies can indicate a past exposure to measles, either through infection or vaccination.

Why is the Measles Titer test done?

This test is done to confirm immunity to measles. This could be in situations such as pre-employment screening for healthcare workers, pre-pregnancy checkups, or prior to travel to areas with known measles outbreaks.

What does a positive result on the Measles Titer test mean?

A positive result generally means that the person is immune to measles, either through vaccination or past exposure to the disease.

What does a negative result on the Measles Titer test mean?

A negative result indicates that the person tested does not have detectable measles antibodies and is likely susceptible to measles infection.

Interpreting Measles Titer Test Results

Can a Measles Titer test differentiate between immunity due to vaccination and immunity due to past infection?

No, this test measures the concentration of measles antibodies, but it does not differentiate between antibodies formed due to vaccination or natural infection.

How accurate is the Measles Titer test in identifying immunity to measles?

The Measles Titer test is highly sensitive and specific, making it an accurate method for identifying immunity to measles. However, like all tests, there is a small chance of false positives or negatives.

Can the Measles Titer test be used to diagnose a current measles infection?

Not typically. While the test can measure antibodies produced in response to measles infection, these usually aren't present until several days after the onset of symptoms. For an active measles infection, a different type of test, like viral culture or PCR, is typically used.

Measles Titer Test and Specific Conditions

Is the Measles Titer test recommended for pregnant women?

Yes, particularly for women who don't know their measles immunity status. If a woman is not immune, she could contract measles during pregnancy, which can cause complications.

Why might the Measles Titer test be recommended for healthcare workers?

Healthcare workers are at a higher risk of exposure to infectious diseases, including measles. Therefore, confirming their immunity status helps protect both them and their patients from infection.

Can the Measles Titer test be used in infants?

Yes, but it should be noted that babies born to immune mothers typically have maternal antibodies for several months after birth. Therefore, testing during this period might show a positive result due to these maternal antibodies.

General Questions About the Test

Can I still contract measles if my Measles Titer test is positive?

While a positive test indicates immunity to measles, no test is 100% accurate, and no immunity is 100% effective. However, the likelihood of contracting measles after a positive test is extremely low.

If my Measles Titer test is negative, should I get vaccinated?

Yes, if you are not immune to measles and there's no medical contraindication, you should consider getting the measles vaccine to protect yourself from the disease.

Can other conditions affect the result of a Measles Titer test?

Yes, certain conditions, such as immunodeficiency disorders, can affect the body's ability to produce antibodies and thus affect the results of the test.

Understanding Measles and Immunity

If I've had the measles vaccine, will the Measles Titer test be positive?

Yes, the measles vaccine causes your immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, so the test should be positive if you're immune.

Can a person have a false-positive or false-negative Measles Titer test?

Yes, false positives or negatives can occur, though they're rare. A false positive might be due to cross-reactivity with other viral antibodies, while a false negative could occur if the test is done too soon after vaccination or infection.

How long after vaccination will the Measles Titer test show a positive result?

It usually takes a few weeks after vaccination for your body to produce enough antibodies to be detected by the test.

What is the lifespan of measles antibodies? Do they decrease over time?

Measles antibodies are usually lifelong in individuals who have been infected or vaccinated. These antibodies provide long-term immunity against measles.

How often should I get the Measles Titer test if I'm a healthcare worker?

There's no standard recommendation for how often healthcare workers should be tested. However, testing may be done if there's a suspected exposure or outbreak of measles in the healthcare setting.

Can the Measles Titer test be used to confirm an outbreak of measles?

This test can help confirm individual cases of measles, but it's not typically used alone to confirm an outbreak. Diagnosis of an outbreak usually involves a combination of clinical presentation and laboratory testing.

Can the Measles Titer test be used to decide if a booster vaccine is needed?

Yes, the test can help identify individuals who do not have immunity to measles. These individuals may require a booster vaccine.

Can the Measles Titer test be used in people with immunodeficiency conditions?

Yes, but the results must be interpreted with caution, as people with immunodeficiency conditions may not mount a typical antibody response.

Can the Measles Titer test be used in people who have had an allergic reaction to the measles vaccine?

Yes, the test can help determine if the person developed immunity to measles despite the reaction.

Can the Measles Titer test predict the severity of a potential measles infection?

No, the test cannot predict the severity of a potential measles infection. It only indicates if a person has immunity to the virus.

Does a positive Measles Titer test mean I'm immune to other viruses in the same family as measles?

No, a positive test only indicates immunity to the measles virus. Other viruses in the Paramyxoviridae family, which includes measles, require their own specific tests for immunity.

Can the Measles Titer test provide information about my overall immune system function?

While the test can confirm your immune system's response to measles specifically, it does not provide comprehensive information about the overall function of your immune system.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.