An antibody titer test determines the level and presence of antibodies in the blood, and is used to detect infections, determine the need for immunization, and assess the strength of recent vaccines. The Coombs test is a common antibody titer used to detect antibodies attached to red blood cells, and is also used to detect reactions to blood transfusions. There are no preparations needed before the test, and the procedure involves drawing blood from a vein or using a lancet for infants or younger children. There are usually no health risks, but minor pain, throbbing, bruising, or swelling may occur.
An antibody titer is a test that determines the level and presence of antibodies in the blood. Antibodies are produced by a person’s immune system to remove and attack foreign substances. An antibody titer is usually conducted like any standard blood test.
An antibody titer is performed for several reasons. The test can determine whether an individual has or has recently had an infection such as mononucleosis or viral hepatitis. It may also indicate whether an immunization, such as a booster vaccination, should be performed. It can also show whether a recent vaccine will be strong enough to protect against disease.
A common antibody titre is the Coombs test. It is administered directly and indirectly. The direct Coombs test is performed to determine if there are antibodies attached to an individual’s red blood cells. These antibodies usually develop when a person uses drugs excessively or has an illness. Anemia or jaundice will usually be a result of these antibodies.
The indirect Coombs test is very rarely used. This antibody titer detects unlimited circulating antibodies in blood serum. The test is mainly done to determine if an individual might be having a reaction to a blood transfusion.
The Coombs test in both forms could also be done on a newborn to see if its mother passed on the antibodies during pregnancy. This is a problem when the mother has Rh negative blood and the baby has Rh positive blood. While in utero, the antibodies may have traveled across the placenta to the fetus.
The results of an antibody titre are usually accurate. There are times, however, when this is not the case. Some reasons for an incorrect test include a past blood transfusion, a recent x-ray, or use of certain medications.
There are no preparations that a person needs to take before an antibody titer is given. The procedure involves drawing blood from a vein, usually on the back of the hand or the inside of the elbow. In infants or younger children, a lancet may be used. There are virtually no health risks when a person has a blood sample taken from a vein.
As with any time blood is drawn, a person might experience pain, but it is usually of a minor degree. There may be some throbbing after an antibody titer is finished, as well as bruising or swelling where the needle was injected. These problems can usually be alleviated by an individual holding pressure on the site for several minutes.
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