What is titer testing?
A titer test (pronounced TIGHT er) is a laboratory test measuring the existence and level of antibodies in blood. Antibodies are produced when an antigen (like a virus or bacteria) provokes an immune response. This response can come from natural exposure or from vaccination. (Note: titering is also called serum vaccine antibody titering and serologic vaccine titering.) How is the test performed? First, one mL of blood is drawn. The sample is then diluted. Titer levels, expressed as ratios, indicate how many times blood can be diluted before no antibodies are detected. If blood can be diluted a 1000 times and still show antibodies, the ratio would be 1:1000. This is a “strong” titer. A titer of 1:2 would be weak. Confused? Don’t worry. Your test result will have an explanation of what your animal’s test result means. Should I test for all diseases? The most recommended test examines antibodies for both parvovirus and distemper, the two most important viruses. Rabies titers are also ofte
