How to Interpret an Antibody Titer

An antibody titer is a blood test that tests the levels of a specific antibody in circulation. Within the body, there are numerous antibodies at work to keep possible infections at bay. Some autoimmune antibodies can attack the body, which is the basis of autoimmune diseases. Because of these two facts, the results of an antibody titer can get confusing; there is not a set number, so interpretation depends on the context of the test itself. This is a test that a physician will order with results being forwarded to the ordering provider. The three possible results are: positive, negative and equivocal. The interpretation of these results depends on the type of antibody under examination. Decisions for diagnosis or treatment should always be talked over with a health care provider to make the most informed interpretation.

Things You'll Need

• Laboratory results

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Instructions

Autoimmune Antibody Titer

• 1

  Find the result for the specific antibody test on the page of results. The name of the test is usually written on the left-hand side. The abbreviation "ab" may be used for the word "antibody."

• 2

  Look for the normal value range next to the test name. This is an acceptable range of values for that particular test. The results are based upon these cutoff numbers.

• 3

  Look for the result of the test in the same row as the test name. This is the actual result from the test. Results may be labeled as: negative, positive or equivocal next to the value.

• 4

  For an autoimmune antibody, a negative result means that there are no antibodies around to attack the cells. A positive result means that there are antibodies present to attack those cells they match for. An equivocal result means that the test was borderline; another test may be needed in this case.

Foreign Antibody Titer

• 5

  Find the result of the specific antibody test on the page of results. Some tests are done as panels and will give different tests in one panel.

• 6

  Look for the normal value for that particular test next to the test name. The acceptable range of values will differ depending on the specific test.

• 7

  Look for the test result on the same row as the test name. This result may be in numbers or with a result of: negative, positive or equivocal.

• 8

  For a foreign antibody, one that will attack foreign pathogens, a negative result means that there are not enough antibodies available to have protective immunity. A positive result means that there are enough antibodies to provide a protective immunity. An equivocal result means that the results are borderline for that test.