Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 10-14 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Verify immunity without needing a doctor's visit or referral
- Travel confidently knowing your protection status before international trips
- Get quantitative results showing exact antibody levels, not just positive/negative
- Peace of mind for healthcare workers and high-risk individuals
- Quick turnaround with secure, confidential results in 10-14 business days
- No preparation needed - simple blood draw with no fasting required
Who Is This Test For?
- International travelers visiting polio-endemic regions or countries with recent outbreaks
- Healthcare workers requiring proof of immunity for employment or workplace safety
- Individuals with uncertain vaccination history who need to confirm their protection
- Immunocompromised patients monitoring their vaccine response and immunity levels
- Parents and caregivers ensuring family members are protected before travel
- Anyone seeking proactive health management and comprehensive immunity records
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any Walk-In Lab location for a quick blood draw
- Lab analysis uses gold-standard neutralization assay to measure antibody levels
- Receive results securely online in 10-14 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Neutralizing antibodies against poliovirus types 1 and 3 to determine your immunity status.
Do I need to fast or prepare? No special preparation required - no fasting or medication adjustments needed.
How accurate is this test? Neutralization assays exceed 95% specificity and sensitivity, making them the gold standard (CDC 2023).
What if my results show low immunity? Consult your healthcare provider about receiving a polio booster vaccine for protection.
Is this test required for travel? Some countries or employers may require proof of polio immunity - check specific requirements.
Can I get this test without a doctor's order? Yes, Walk-In Lab offers direct-to-consumer testing with no physician referral needed.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test determines whether you have protective neutralizing antibodies against poliovirus types 1 and 3, the strains responsible for paralytic polio disease. The culture/neutralization method provides the most accurate assessment of your immune status, whether from vaccination or previous infection (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone traveling to polio-endemic areas, healthcare workers, laboratory staff, or individuals with uncertain vaccination history would benefit from this test. It's particularly valuable for immunocompromised patients who need to monitor their vaccine response and for supporting public health surveillance efforts (WHO 2022).
When should I order this test?
Order this test before international travel, especially to areas where polio remains a risk, or if you're unsure of your vaccination status. Healthcare workers may need it for employment requirements, and individuals with incomplete vaccination records should test to confirm protection (Johns Hopkins 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
Detectable neutralizing antibodies
- What it means: Immune/protected
- Typical action: No action needed
Low or absent titers
- What it means: Not immune/susceptible
- Typical action: Consult physician for vaccination
Borderline levels
- What it means: Uncertain protection
- Typical action: Discuss booster with healthcare provider
Results should always be reviewed with a healthcare provider for personalized interpretation and recommendations.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast or make any medication adjustments. Simply schedule your blood draw at a convenient time. The test requires a standard blood sample collected in a serum separator tube.
How often should I get tested?
- General population with normal immunity: Suggested interval: Not routinely needed
- Frequent international travelers: Suggested interval: Every 5–10 years or as needed
- Healthcare workers: Suggested interval: Per employer requirements
- Immunocompromised individuals: Suggested interval: As directed by physician
Why early detection matters
Early detection of non-immune individuals is critical for preventing outbreaks. A single case of paralytic polio can result in hundreds of silent infections in under-immunized populations (CDC 2023). While the U.S. has maintained polio elimination since 1979, recent outbreaks in under-immunized communities highlight ongoing risk, making immunity verification essential for public health.
Related tests you may consider
Immunity Plus Blood Test Panel - Detects antibodies to common infectious diseases, Hepatitis A & B, MMR, and Varicella, to help confirm immunity.
Antibodies Screen Blood Test- Used to determine whether a person's blood contains antibodies.
Tetanus and Diphtheria Antibody Profile Blood Test - Helps determine if an individual has been vaccinated against or previously infected by tetanus and diphtheria.
