Tetanus Antibodies (Functional Antibodies)

Immunology

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Description

A patient may have normal levels of serum immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses but may still be unable to respond effectively to various pathogens. Specific antibody responses should be measured against a panel of protein and carbohydrate antigens. Protein antigens include tetanus and diphtheria toxoid ( TD response ) and polysaccharide antigens include pneumococcus and haemophilus influenzae Type B ( TI2 response ). Investigation of specific antibody responses is useful in the assessment of patients with recurrent bacterial sepsis, invasive bacterial disease and putative immune defects. They can also be useful in assessing immune reconstitution post bone marrow transplant, asplenic patients and assessment of protective antibody levels as an indication for re-vaccination.

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Indications

Immunodeficiency and vaccine responses.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum ( Gel 5mL Yellow tube ). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

0.10-0.99 IU/mL = full protective level.
>1.0 IU/mL = long term protection.

Reference ranges verified in house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 15 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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External Notes

Samples tested for tetanus antibodies giving values less than 0.1 IU/mL should request a repeat sample 4 weeks post tetanus toxoid vaccination.

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References

Wood P. Primary antibody deficiency syndromes. Annals of Clinical Biochemistry. 2009. 46:99-108.
Hazlewood M, et al. The acquisition of anti-pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide, Haemophilus influenzae type b and tetanus toxoid antibodies, with age, in the UK. Clinical and Experimental Immunology. 2008. 93( 2 ):157-164.
Schauer U, et al. Levels of antibodies specific to tetanus toxoid, haemophilus influenzae type b, and pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide in healthy children and adults. Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology. 2003. 10( 2 ):202-207.
Hazlewood M, Nusrat R, Kumararatne DS. The acquisition of anti-pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide, Haemophilus influenzae type B and tetanus toxoid antibodies with age in the UK. Clinical and Experimental Immunology. 1993. 93( 2 ):157-164.

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See Also

Pneumococcal antibodies; Diphtheria antibodies; Haemophilus influenzae type B antibodies

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.