Polio Titer

Poliovirus, the virus that causes poliomyelitis (commonly referred to simply as polio) was an endemic disease that caused infantile paralysis which was irreversible. Since the introduction of rigorous vaccination schedules, polio has since been mostly eradicated in the world. Only poor, underdeveloped areas without a vaccine schedule still repost incidents of poliovirus. If one is planning on travelling to these areas, it is beneficial to get polio antibody levels checked. This test measures the titer level of poliovirus type 1 and 3 antibodies in the blood. This gives an indication of the immune status of the patients, and whether they are immune or require a booster vaccination.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• If you have never been vaccinated for polio
• Vaccinated but want to check immune status
• Traveling to an area where polio is still present
• Traveled to an area where there is polio and exhibiting the following:
o Loss of reflexes
o Severe muscle aches or weakness

Also Known As: Poliovirus Types 1 and 3 Immune Status Antibody