Measles antibody test: What to know about checking your immunity

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google GREENVILLE, S.C. ( Aging Untold ) — Measles is highly contagious, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults can get seriously sick. Complications are more common after age 20. A simple antibody test, also known as a titer test, can show whether a person is likely protected. What a measles titer test involves Any Lab Test Now in Greenville, South Carolina, offers more than 8,000 tests that people can walk in and request, according to Madison Gault, clinical director. She and her team help patients understand everything about their health, from genes to cholesterol levels to antibodies. Gault said the measles titer is the test drawing the most interest. Reporter Kari Beal received two doses of the MMR vaccine as a child and had the titer test done because she wanted to know her current immunity. What the results mean Beal said her measles antibody level was 300 and the minimum for immunity is 16. She took the report to family doctor Nita Bijoor and asked if 300 was high. Bijoor said there is no established “really high” level. “It means you have a good level,” Bijoor said. The result probably reflects good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, and that Beal’s body is mounting a good antibody response, Bijoor said. How the test works, and its limits A titer test measures immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which indicate past exposure to or vaccination against a virus like measles. Bijoor said sometimes a memory of the virus can remain in the cells without showing high levels of antibodies. “There can be false negatives,” Bijoor said. She said a person with a low result may still have a good antibody response, so the test is not 100% foolproof. Bijoor said it is still the best test available. Who the test is recommended for Bijoor said she recommends the test for: People who do not know their immunity. People who think they have natural immunity. Vaccinated people in high-risk jobs, such as educators and health care workers. “I think in the setting of an outbreak, it makes sense if a patient wants to be absolutely sure,” Bijoor said. Symptoms and complications discussed Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician and Aging Untold expert, said measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads when infected people cough or sneeze. Signs include a high temperature and red, watery eyes, usually followed by a diffuse rash. She said complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which can occur years after infection. Rogers said the IgG marker represents past exposure while the IgM marker represents acute exposure. A person with no antibodies may never have been exposed or may have lost immunity, she added. Rogers said lab results should be reviewed with a doctor because people can make the mistake of looking at a range and assuming a result is normal. Read more here. This program is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen on this program. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this program or its use. Aging Untold/Gray Media, nor its employees, contractors or agents, nor any contributor to this program, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. Copyright 2026 Gray Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.