Diphtheria/Tetanus Antibody




Test Mnemonic

DIPTET

CPT Codes

  • 86317 - QTY (2)

Aliases

  • Tetanus & Diphtheria IgG Abs.

Includes

  • Diphtheria Antibody
  • Tetanus Antibody

Performing Laboratory

ARUP


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
1 mLSerumSST (Gold) RefrigeratedSubmit "pre" and "post" vaccination specimens. "Post" specimen should be drawn 30 days following immunization. Label as "pre-vaccine" or "post-vaccine." Note: "Post" specimen must be received within 60 days of "pre" specimen. Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection and transfer into standard aliquot tube.

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
0.15 mL     

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
RefrigeratedAfter separation from cells: 2 weeks
FrozenAfter separation from cells: 1 year (Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
AmbientAfter separation from cells: 48 hours

Days Performed

Sun - Sat

Turnaround Time

2 - 4 days

Methodology

Name Description
Quantitative Multiplex Bead Assay 

Reference Range

Diphtheria IgG Abs
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       > 0.1 IU/mL is usually considered protective. 
Tetanus IgG Abs
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       > 0.1 IU/mL is usually considered protective 

Special Info

"Pre" and "post" vaccination specimens should be submitted for testing. "Post" specimen should be drawn 30 days following immunization. Label specimens clearly as "pre-vaccine" or "post-vaccine." If shipped separately, "post" specimen must be received within 60 days of "pre" specimen. Plasma or other body fluids are unacceptable. This test is New York DOH approved.

Clinical Info

Used to evaluate the ability of a patient to produce antibody to pure protein vaccines after vaccination to rule out antibody deficiency. Responder status is determined according to the ratio of a one-month post-vaccination sample to pre-vaccination concentration of IgG antibodies as follows: Diphtheria and tetanus: 1. If the post-vaccination concentration is < 1.0 IU/mL, the patient is considered a nonresponder. 2. If the post-vaccination concentration is > or = 1.0 IU/mL, a patient with a ratio of < 1.5 is a nonresponder, a ratio of 1.5 to < 3.0 is a weak responder, and a ratio of > or = 3.0 is a good responder. 3. If the pre-vaccination concentration is > 1.0 IU/mL, it may be difficult to assess the response based on a ratio alone. A post-vaccination concentration above 2.5 IU in this case is adequate.