Assessment of an antibody response to tetanus and diphtheria toxoid vaccines, which should be performed at least 3 weeks after immunization
Aids in the evaluation of immunodeficiency
This test should not be used to diagnose tetanus infection
Specimen Type
Serum
Specimen Requirements
Preferred: Serum Gel
Acceptable: Red Top
Minimum Sample Volume
0.8 mL
Stability
Refrigerated (preferred):30 days
Frozen: 30 days
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions
Gross hemolysis
Gross lipemia
Gross icterus
Heat Inactivated specimen
Limitations
This assay does not provide diagnostic proof of lack of protection again diphtheria or the presence of absence of immunodeficiency. Results must be confirmed by clinical findings and other serological tests
The diagnosis of tetanus is by clinical observation. A positive wound culture for the agent of tetanus, Clostridium tetani, may support, but does not confirm, the diagnosis. Toxin assays for tetanospasmin may be useful but are only available in a few laboratories
The results obtained from this assay are not diagnostic proof of lack of protection against tetanus or the presence or absence of immunodeficiency
