FAQ

Recommendations are available for evaluating antibody response to Rabies vaccination using the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT) – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

As of May 2022, these two guidelines now use the same recommendations.

ACIP As of August 1, 2022, we will no longer offer the ACIP Screen. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has changed their recommendations to correspond with the WHO.

WHO recommends antibody levels greater than or equal to (>) 0.5 International Units (IU) per mL.

Atlanta Health Associates offers your choice of the following tests:

  • SCREEN – $50.00 – Reported in IU/mL only. The 0.5 IU/mL threshold is included. If your titer is higher than ~1.0 IU/mL, you will receive a of >1.0 IU/mL instead of the actual value (5.6 IU/mL as an example).
  • Endpoint – $78.00 – Reported in IU/mL and 50% endpoint titer. Low values are reported down to ~ <0.1 IU/mL and up to ~ >/= 20 IU/mL.

Atlanta Health Associates, Inc., does not perform diagnostic serology without coordination with Local/Federal Health Authorities

  • We do not provide supplies for collection or shipment of your sample.
  • Collection supplies can usually be obtained from a local Health Department or doctor’s office.
  • Shipping supplies are available from FedEx, or UPS.
  • All samples should be shipped according to Biohazard regulations as outlined in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
  • Guidelines for shipping via FedEx can be found HERE.
  • Guidelines for shipping via UPS are HERE.
  • If you choose to send your sample through the US Postal Service, you can find their guidelines HERE.

Candidates for this important vaccine include:

  • Persons expecting to travel to those countries where rabies is endemic
  • High risk groups include veterinarians and/or their staff, veterinary students, employees working with animal hospitals, wildlife workers, animal control handlers, park, or animal exhibit workers, and disaster workers involved with animals.
  • Spelunkers.
  • Anyone working in an area of expertise where there is a risk of encounter with an animal carrying the rabies virus.

Rabies Vaccine is available in the United States through:

  • Local/State/Federal Health Agencies
  • Private Infectious Disease Clinics
  • Regional Hospitals with “International Travel” Clinics

Once the pre-exposure vaccine series or booster is administered, individuals may routinely submit a blood sample for serologic testing – specifically:

The Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT), CPT Code 86382

This viral neutralizing antibody test determines the presence of rabies antibody, and whether this antibody is functioning properly. (i.e. the antibody complexes with live rabies virus, and clears it so that further infection is neutralized.)
The RFFIT is recommended by:

Other tests are not appropriate for rabies antibody determination.

More Information *From Human Rabies Prevention.

A titer > 0.5 International Units (IU) indicates a positive antibody response to rabies vaccination.

A titer of < 0.5 IU indicates a need for a booster dose of vaccine. (Per WHO Guidelines and ACIP Guidelines.

See “Which RFFIT Test Should I Choose” section above for more information.

A sample may be submitted for testing 14–21 days after the initial series has been completed, or after receiving a booster injection, but is generally not necessary.

A sample may be submitted for evaluation periodically, depending on your risk level. Refer to CDC MMWR to assess your risk level.

*From Human Rabies Prevention.

  1. Centrifuge the specimen, decant the serum from the separator tube into a plastic tube, and label it appropriately.
  2. Check with your chosen shipping carrier to determine their requirements for packaging and labeling biohazardous substances. Each carrier has different requirements.
  3. The specimen should be double bagged with absorbent material. If submitting multiple samples, each sample should be bagged individually to avoid cross-contamination if one samples should leak.
  4. The specimen should then be packaged in a container suitable for shipment.
  5. All samples should be shipped according to Biohazard regulations according to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
  • Guidelines for FedEx can be found HERE.
  • Guidelines for UPS are HERE.
  • If you choose to send your sample through the US Postal Service, you can find their guidelines HERE.

Your properly packaged sample should be sent to:
ATLANTA HEALTH ASSOCIATES, INC.
309 PIRKLE FERRY ROAD, SUITE D300
CUMMING, GA 30040

The request form can be downloaded on our website by clicking the link at the top of the page or click here.

If necessary, the request form can be faxed or emailed upon request.

Individuals should include a personal check or money order for the proper amount. Be sure to include special handling fees if appropriate. You may also pay with a credit card for an additional fee by calling your information to us.

Institutions and clinics should include billing information, including a purchase order number if required.

For additional information on Rabies, visit the CDC Q&A website. You can also find more information on our “LINKS” page.

More Information