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HelpTest Code TTIGS Tetanus Toxoid IgG Antibody, Serum
Useful For
Assessing antibody response to the tetanus toxoid vaccine, which should be performed at least 3 weeks after immunization
Aiding in the evaluation of immunodeficiency
This test should not be used to diagnose tetanus infection.
Method Name
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Reporting Name
Tetanus Toxoid IgG Ab, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 30 days | |
| Frozen | 30 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Clinical Information
Tetanus results from contamination of wounds or lacerations with Clostridium tetani spores from the environment. The spores germinate to actively replicating bacterial cells localized within the wound and produce the heat-labile toxin tetanospasmin. Tetanospasmin attaches to peripheral nerve endings and travels to the central nervous system where it blocks inhibitory impulses to motor neurons and leads to severe, spastic muscle contractions, a classic characteristic of tetanus.
The disease is preventable by vaccination with tetanus toxoid (formaldehyde-treated tetanospasmin), which stimulates development of antitetanus toxoid antibodies. In the United States, tetanus toxoid is administered to children as part of the combined diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (TDaP) vaccine.
Two to 3 weeks following vaccination, a patient's immunological response may be assessed by measuring the total antitetanus toxoid IgG antibody level in serum. An absence of antibody formation postvaccination may relate to immune deficiency disorders, either congenital or acquired, or iatrogenic due to immunosuppressive drugs.
Reference Values
Vaccinated: Positive (≥0.01 IU/mL)
Unvaccinated: Negative (<0.01 IU/mL)
Interpretation
Results greater than or equal to 0.01 suggest a vaccine response.
A tetanus toxoid booster should be strongly considered for patients with anti-tetanus toxoid IgG values between 0.01 and 0.5 IU/mL.
Some cases of tetanus, usually mild, have occasionally been observed in patients with a measurable serum level of 0.01 to 1.0 IU/mL.
Cautions
This test should not be used to diagnose tetanus infection. 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/absence of immunodeficiency.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86317
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| TTIGS | Tetanus Toxoid IgG Ab, S | 53935-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| TETG | Tetanus IgG Ab | 26643-7 |
| DEXTG | Tetanus IgG Value | 53935-3 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.