A titer test is simply a way to check someone’s immunity (or lack thereof) to specific diseases. It’s important for many employers, as it’s a key control measure for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, especially among vulnerable populations.
Sidestepping the issue of outdated immunization records, a titer confirms current immunity levels, making them much more reliable for employers. Based on their necessity and effectiveness, titers are important to understand. Keep reading to deepen your knowledge about titer testing and its role in pre-employment testing and occupational health.
What is Titer Testing?
Titer testing is a blood test that checks for the presence of specific antibodies, determining immunity levels against certain diseases. If the test reveals low immunity, it typically indicates the need for a vaccination or booster shot to prevent the individual from becoming infected or a carrier of the disease. The most common titer tests identify immunity to:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
What Industries or Jobs Require Titer Testing?
Titer testing is generally required for anyone who works for healthcare facilities, emergency services (i.e. EMTs, firefighters, police), elder-care facilities, homecare agencies, schools, daycares, or in roles where they work with vulnerable people (i.e. children, elderly, and those who are sick or immuno-compromised). Vendors servicing the healthcare industry and medical institutions, as well as medical and nursing students, are also commonly required to undergo titer testing.
The Role of Titer Testing in Vendor Credentialing
For companies that provide services or products to healthcare facilities, titer testing is often a part of vendor credentialing requirements. Employees must demonstrate immunity to specific diseases to gain access to these facilities. Proof of immunity is typically provided through titer testing or vaccination records. Industries frequently required to show immunity documentation include:
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Sales Representatives
- Healthcare Per Diem Staff (e.g., nurses and therapists)
- DME (Durable Medical Equipment) Repair Services
- Surgical Equipment Sterilization Services
- Emergency Rescue Services (EMTs)
- Contracted Janitorial Services
- Delivery Services
Why Employers Should Titer Test
Prevent Infectious Disease Outbreak
Most importantly, titer testing is a proactive measure to safeguard employees and the public from infectious disease outbreaks. Employees carrying these diseases could infect patients or clients. By determining who needs vaccination, titer tests play a crucial role in outbreak prevention, saving time and money while protecting everyone’s health.
Protect the Reputation of Your Organization
Titer testing is not just a practical health measure; it’s also crucial for maintaining the reputation of your organization. Ensuring that all staff and vendors are immune to contagious diseases demonstrates a strong commitment to public health and safety. This proactive approach can enhance your organization’s credibility, build trust with patients and the community, and prevent negative publicity associated with disease outbreaks. By prioritizing titer testing, your organization can uphold its reputation as a safe and responsible healthcare care provider or employer.
Confidence in Immunity
As previously mentioned, a titer test proves immunity (if present). This is much more reliable than vaccination records, which can easily be faked or forged. With immunity, your employees can safely work around others. A titer test gives a level of confidence in their immunity that a vaccination record cannot.
Advantages of Titer Testing vs. Vaccinations
Implementing titer testing before mandating vaccinations or boosters has several benefits:
- Cost Efficiency: Titer tests are less expensive compared to boosters or vaccines. They also prevent unnecessarily spending money on boosters or vaccines for those already immune.
- Precision: These tests reveal which employees have sufficient immunity from previous vaccinations, eliminating redundant inoculations.
- Health Optimization: Avoiding unnecessary vaccines reduces the risk of adverse reactions and conserves medical resources.
The Benefits of Employee Titer Testing with Mobile Health
Mobile Health provides an efficient titer testing service for Hepatitis, MMR, and Varicella. With over 6,500 clinics nationwide or the option to titer test on-site, we offer convenience. Plus, our average turnaround for results is less than 48 hours.
Need additional occupational health services? Whether it’s for pre-employment or compliance, we offer every exam or test you could need — from respirator fit testing to drug screening, physicals to TB exams — and everything in between. With Mobile Health, you can streamline your occupational health needs with one provider, likely save money, and get results faster. Plus you get dedicated account management, a user-friendly Client Portal that delivers results in real-time, and more.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive titer testing and vaccination solutions and safeguard the well-being of your team and anyone they serve.