Question 1

What is Rabies?

Accepted Answer

Rabies is a fatal viral infection that attacks the central nervous system and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites. It is caused by the rabies virus from the Lyssavirus genus, which travels along nerve pathways to the brain. The Rabies Vaccine Response End Point Titer is the most important test for confirming adequate immunity after vaccination.

Question 2

What causes rabies?

Accepted Answer

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus (Lyssavirus genus) that infects the central nervous system. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly dogs, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, typically through bite wounds or scratches that break the skin. Once the virus enters the body, it travels along nerve pathways to the brain and spinal cord, causing severe neurological symptoms that are almost always fatal without prompt treatment.

Question 3

What is the best test for rabies vaccine protection?

Accepted Answer

The Rabies Vaccine Response End Point Titer is the most important test for determining if you have adequate immunity after rabies vaccination. This blood test measures the level of neutralizing antibodies your immune system produced in response to the vaccine, with a titer of 0.5 IU/mL or higher indicating sufficient protection. This test is essential for high-risk individuals like veterinarians, animal handlers, laboratory workers, and travelers to rabies-endemic regions who need to verify their immunity status. If your titer falls below protective levels, you will need a booster shot to maintain adequate protection against this deadly virus.

Question 4

When should I get tested for rabies vaccine response?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you work with animals professionally as a veterinarian, animal control officer, or wildlife handler, or if you work in a laboratory that handles rabies virus. Testing is also recommended if you have received pre-exposure rabies vaccination and need to verify your immunity status, if you are planning travel to regions where rabies is common, or if your job requires proof of rabies immunity. People with ongoing exposure risks should have their antibody levels checked every 6 months to 2 years to ensure continuous protection.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of rabies?

Accepted Answer

Rabies symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, weakness, and tingling or discomfort at the bite site. As the virus progresses to the brain, you may experience anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, and fear of water (hydrophobia) due to throat spasms. In the final stages, symptoms include paralysis, coma, and ultimately death. The time from exposure to symptom onset usually ranges from 1 to 3 months, though it can vary from a few days to over a year.

Question 6

Who is at risk for rabies?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include veterinarians, animal control officers, wildlife biologists, laboratory workers handling rabies specimens, and spelunkers who explore caves with bat populations. Travelers to countries where dog rabies is common, particularly in Africa and Asia, face increased exposure risk. Children are at higher risk because they may not report animal bites and are more likely to be bitten on the head and neck, allowing faster virus transmission to the brain. Anyone who encounters wild animals or stray dogs without proper precautions should be considered at risk.

Question 7

What happens if rabies is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Rabies is almost universally fatal once symptoms appear, with death occurring within 7 to 10 days after neurological symptoms begin. Without immediate post-exposure prophylaxis after a bite from a rabid animal, the virus progressively destroys the nervous system, causing irreversible brain damage. Only a handful of people have survived symptomatic rabies in all of recorded medical history, making it one of the deadliest infectious diseases known. This is why immediate medical attention after any potential rabies exposure is absolutely critical, as pre-symptom treatment with vaccine and immunoglobulin is nearly 100% effective.

Question 8

Can rabies vaccine protection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a blood test can measure whether you have adequate protection from rabies vaccination. The Rabies Vaccine Response End Point Titer blood test measures neutralizing antibody levels in your blood, with levels of 0.5 IU/mL or higher indicating adequate immunity. However, active rabies infection cannot be diagnosed with routine blood tests and requires specialized testing of saliva, skin biopsies from the neck, or brain tissue. Blood testing is specifically used to monitor vaccine effectiveness and determine if booster shots are needed to maintain protective immunity.

Question 9

How is rabies treated?

Accepted Answer

Rabies treatment depends entirely on whether symptoms have developed. If you are bitten by a potentially rabid animal before symptoms appear, immediate post-exposure prophylaxis includes thorough wound cleaning, rabies immunoglobulin injected around the bite site, and a series of rabies vaccine shots over 14 days. This treatment is nearly 100% effective when given promptly. Once symptoms develop, there is no effective treatment and the disease is almost always fatal, though supportive care in intensive care may be provided. Prevention through vaccination for high-risk individuals and immediate post-bite treatment are the only reliable ways to survive rabies exposure.

Question 10

How can I prevent rabies?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with vaccinating your pets and avoiding contact with wild or stray animals. If you work in a high-risk profession, get pre-exposure rabies vaccination and have your antibody levels checked regularly. Teach children never to approach or touch unfamiliar animals, and avoid contact with bats, even if they appear healthy. When traveling to rabies-endemic regions, avoid animal encounters and seek immediate medical care if bitten. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek emergency medical attention immediately, even if the animal appears healthy.

Question 11

What can I do at home after potential rabies exposure?

Accepted Answer

If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes to remove as much virus as possible from the wound. Apply an antiseptic like povidone-iodine or alcohol after washing. Do not cover the wound initially, as this can trap virus particles. While these first aid measures are important, they are NOT a substitute for immediate professional medical care. You must seek emergency medical attention right away, as post-exposure prophylaxis must begin as soon as possible to be effective. Try to identify the animal and report the incident to local animal control authorities.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Rabies Vaccine Response Blood Test

What is Rabies?

What causes rabies?

What is the best test for rabies vaccine protection?

When should I get tested for rabies vaccine response?

References

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