A vaccine titer (pronounced tie-ter) is the measure, or level, of antibodies in the blood stream.  Order Titer Tests Here

Understanding Titer Tests

The term titer, (pronounced with a long "i"), refers to the strength or concentration of a substance in a solution. Testing vaccine titers is done through a blood test that can identify the presence of antibodies induced by vaccinations. If the levels are satisfactory, the person is considered to have "protective antibody" and is considered to be "sufficiently immune" to the disease. You can argue that no further vaccination is necessary at this time. The tests can be ordered for both children and adults and the "protective levels" are the same in all age groups.

Titer tests do not distinguish between antibodies generated by vaccination and those generated by natural exposure to disease agents through infection. A person may have developed a positive antibody titer through a variety of mechanisms:

By being vaccinated;

By becoming ill and recovering from the infection;

By being exposed to someone with the infection but without having any symptoms of the disease: or

By a combination of the above.

Therefore, titer tests measure a "primed pump" that comes from an interaction between a viral or bacterial particle and the immune system. Most conventional medical personnel agree that when an adequate antibody titer is present, the person is considered to be immune. Vaccine titers can be used to determine the need for additional vaccines and are a reflection of the ability of the immune system to respond to an antigen.

How Do I Get the Test?

In the past, an order to draw a titer level to a particular vaccine antigen had to be written by your doctor. Now, it is possible FOR YOU to order these tests through Direct Laboratories WITHOUT getting an order from your doctor.

The tests are available for the following vaccines:

• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Hepatitis B (order all tests on panel)
• Diphtheria, Tetanus
• H. influenza (HiB)
• Hepatitis A
• Varicella-zoster (chickenpox)
• Influenza A and B
• Polio
• Pneumococcal vaccines (adult "pneumonia shot" and pediatric Prevnar)

DirectLabs has been in business for more than 20 years and I have been associated with this company for more than four years as a medical advisor. Through exclusive arrangements with DrTenpenny.com, vaccine titer testing is now available directly to you. DirectLabs is a direct-to-consumer testing company, making many routine health tests available at a discount and without your doctor's order.

This is advantageous in the following ways:

For patients that have a very high insurance deductible and most test are paid for out of pocket

For patients who do not have a physician

For patients that want more information about their health but do not want the time, expense and, in the case of vaccine titers, the potential struggle with a physician to get the tests you want.

Doctors May Resist Vaccine Titer Testing

Doctors are hesitant to adjust any clinical regimen they have adopted or is accepted as "usual and customary." All children are vaccinated with all doses of vaccine, regardless if the additional doses are needed to create an antibody response. Vaccination protocols should not be a one-size-fits-all healthcare.

In veterinary medicine, there is increasing evidence that over-vaccination is linked to acute and chronic diseases in dogs. Dr. Jean Dobbs, once considered a rebel by the veterinary profession, has uncovered this link and speaks nationally on the topic of over-vaccination. Subsequently, veterinarians have begun to use annual titer tests to determine the need for additional vaccinations:

"Except where vaccination is required by law, all animals, but especially those dogs or close relatives of the dog that has previously experienced an adverse reaction to vaccination, the animal can have serum antibody titers measured annually instead of revaccination. If adequate titers are found, the animal should not need revaccination until some future date. Rechecking antibody titers can be performed annually, thereafter, or can be offered as an alternative to pet owners who prefer not to follow the conventional practice of annual boosters." (REF: Twark and Dodds, 2000; Lappin et al, 2002; Paul et al, 2003; Moore and Glickman, 2004.)

This option is now available to humans.

The escalating illness seen in children across the country may be caused by the large numbers of vaccines children are now receiving: More than 100 vaccine antigens and measurable amounts of chemicals are injected in children by the time they are 5 years of age. Because titers are not routinely ordered, many of these children are being over vaccinated with boosters that they do not need.

Who should get a titer test:

Parents who want to know if their children are immune and need more vaccines

Parents who want to know if the vaccines "worked"

Parents who want the ability to tailor the sizable vaccination schedule to their child's needs

Adults who are being required to obtain vaccinations for work and service duties.

How to Do It

1. Click on this link

2. Scroll down the page and use the INTERNAL scroll bar to see all the tests

3. Choose the titer test you wish to obtain

4. Add in credit card information

5. You will be emailed a laboratory form (requisition) as an attachment

6. You MUST print out this form and take it with you to the nearest LabCorp blood draw center.

7. A MapQuest option will help you find LabCorp center nearest to you.

8. When the tests are completed, the results will be emailed to YOU DIRECTLY.

You can share the information or keep it to yourself.

10. You can turn your lab test receipt into your insurance company for attempted reimbursement.

11. A table of the antibody levels considered to be "protective" are found here. 

What tests do I order?

1. Most tests have an explanation of what they are on the DirectLabs.com order page

2. H Influenza b IgG: for HiB vaccine immunity

3. For Hepatitis b:

a. For immunity to hepatitis b vaccine, order Hepatitis B Surface Ab Titer

b. To determine current infection, or if past infection with hepatitis b, order Hepatitis b Surface Ag (+/-) test

c. To determine if chronic carrier state, order Hep b Core Ab

In addition, other panels are available through the Osteomed lab link:

1. 10 most important common health panels for women and men

2. Breast health tests: Urine iodine, Vitamin D level, and estrogen risk factors

3. Blood type testing for the Blood Type Diet by Dr. Peter D'Adamo

4. Thyroid panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and anti-Thyroid peroxidase antibodies

5. Cardiovascular Risk panel: VAP, Homocystine, cardiac C-reactive protein and wellness panel

PHONE CONSULTS ARE AVAILABLE (for a fee and by appointment only)

IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW TO INTERPRENT YOUR RESULTS AFTER REVIEWING THE TITER TABLE

440-239-1878