Pneumococcal serotyping (vaccine response)

Pathology category

Microbiology - Referred samples

Test information

Serotype-Specific Antibody test which measures IgG antibodies to specific capsular polysaccharides in the blood, often before and after vaccination, to assess vaccine effectiveness and immune function. The test can detect test 23 pneumococcal serotypes. the following serotypes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19A, 19F, 20, 22F, 23F and 33F

Code

PNAB

Referral code

Request form

ICE request form

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Please ensure the sample is transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. If delayed please refrigerate.

Reference range

Putative protective antibody level is >/= 0.35 mg/L. The number of serotypes expected to show a response will depend upon the vaccination given. If Pneumovax is given a protective response is shown by 15 out of 23 serotypes having a result above the cut-off. In general if 2/3rds of the serotypes contained in the vaccine have got a result above the cut-off this can be classified as a good response.

Tube type

Tube type info

Gold top clotted

Special requirements

Minimum volume

2mL serum

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

TAT GP/Outpatient

Referral lab

Supraregional Protein Reference Unit Department of Immunology PO BOX 894 SHEFFIELD S5 7YT