Include patient immunization status (pre or post immunization) on requisition. Analysis includes both the Pre and Post status if paired specimens were submitted. "Pre" and "post" vaccination samples will be submitted together for testing. "Post" sample should be drawn 30 days after immunization and, if shipped separately, must be received within 60 days of "pre" sample. Please clearly mark samples "Pre-Vaccine" or "Post-Vaccine" so that samples will be saved and tested simultaneously. Serum must be removed from cells as soon as possible after blood draw.

Responder status is determined according to the ratio of a one-month post-vaccination sample to pre-vaccination concentration of Tetanus IgG Abs as follows: 1. If the post-vaccination concentration is less than 1.0 IU, the patient is considered a nonresponder. 2. If the post-vaccination concentration is greater than or equal to 1.0 IU, a patient with a ratio of less than 1.5 is a nonresponder, a ratio of 1.5 to less than 3.0, a weak responder, and a ratio of 3.0 or greater, a good responder. 3. If the pre-vaccination concentration is greater than 1.0, 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 usually adequate.