Diphtheria and Tetanus Antitoxoids Test
This test measures antibody levels to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids in a blood sample. Clinicians use it to help evaluate a person's immune response to diphtheria and tetanus immunization, including after booster doses.
About this test
Diphtheria and tetanus antitoxoid antibodies are measured from two separate serum samples using an immunoassay method. The test reports antibody levels for each toxoid separately, which is how a clinician can look at a person's immune response to each vaccine component individually rather than as a single combined result.
Quest notes that tetanus, caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, can still occur in some individuals even when antibody levels are considered protective, and that these results are not intended to determine whether antitoxin should be given when it is clinically indicated. That caveat is part of why the result is read by a clinician in context rather than treated as a stand-alone answer.
Who might consider this test?
- It comes up when a clinician wants to check how a person's antibody levels have responded to prior vaccination.
Test details
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports antibody levels against diphtheria antitoxoid and against tetanus antitoxoid, from two separate serum samples analyzed by immunoassay. Because each toxoid is reported separately, a clinician can see how a person's immune response differs between the two vaccine components.
This test isn't part of the Celio Health store at the moment, so it can't be ordered or requested here. The test menu lists everything that can.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
It measures antibody levels against diphtheria toxoid and against tetanus toxoid in blood, used to evaluate a person's immune response to these vaccines.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses two separate serum samples from a routine blood draw, analyzed using an immunoassay method.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Why might a clinician order this test?
It is used to evaluate a person's immune response to diphtheria immunization and to tetanus toxoid immunization, including after booster doses, in people with a typically functioning immune system.
Does a protective-range result mean tetanus can't occur?
No. Quest notes that tetanus can still occur in some individuals even with antibody levels considered protective, and that these results are not intended to determine whether antitoxin should be given when clinically indicated. A clinician weighs the result alongside the clinical picture.