GREENVILLE, S.C. (InvestigateTV) — Measles is more than a rash. The highly contagious virus can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and death. It spreads quickly within families and communities and can live on surfaces for up to two hours.
Doctors say a vaccination, given in two doses, provides the best defense against measles. However, an extremely small percentage — about 3 percent — of those who received the full two-dose series could still contract the virus.
For those concerned about their immunity, a simple blood test can help provide answers.
What a titer test measures
Madison Gault, clinical director at Any Lab Test Now in Greenville, said interest in measles titer testing has grown significantly.
“We offer over 8,000 different tests for the public to just walk in, have whatever they want done,” Gault said.
A titer test measures immunoglobulin G antibodies, which indicate past exposure to or vaccination against a virus like measles. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and results take up to three days.
Reporter Kari Beal, who received two doses of the MMR vaccine as a child, had her measles antibody levels tested. Her results were 300 — well above the minimum immunity threshold of 16.
She brought the results to family physician Dr. Nita Bijoor of Oakview Medical Associates.
“There is no established ‘really high.’ It means you have a good level, probably because you do have good health system, you do have good nutrition, you have a good lifestyle, healthy lifestyle, so your body is mounting a very good antibody response,” Bijoor said.
Limitations of the test
Bijoor cautions that the titer test is not foolproof.
“There can be false negatives, it can be low, and the person may still have a good antibody response. So it’s not a 100% foolproof test,” she said.
She says the memory of a virus can sometimes remain in cells without producing high antibody levels in a test.
Who should consider getting tested
Bijoor recommends the measles titer test for:
Those who do not know their immunity status Those who believe they have natural immunity Vaccinated people in high-risk jobs, such as educators or healthcare workers
“I think in the setting of an outbreak, it makes sense if a patient wants to be absolutely sure,” Bijoor said.
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