What is the Rabies Antibody test?

The Rabies Antibody blood test measures antibodies produced by the immune system in response to rabies vaccination or exposure to the rabies virus. These antibodies indicate whether an individual has protective immunity against rabies.

Rabies is a fatal viral infection once symptoms develop, making prevention and immunity verification critical. Antibody testing is commonly used to confirm vaccine effectiveness rather than diagnose active infection.

This test is frequently required for occupational health screening, travel-related immunity checks, and post-vaccination assessment.

Why do I need a test for Rabies Antibody?

Rabies antibody testing helps confirm that vaccination has produced adequate immune protection. It is especially important for individuals at higher risk of exposure or those who require documented immunity.

The test may also be used following potential exposure to ensure adequate immune response.

You may benefit from this test if you:

• Have received rabies vaccination

• Work in high-risk occupations (veterinary, laboratory, wildlife)

• Are travelling to rabies-endemic regions

• Require proof of immunity for work or travel

• Have had potential rabies exposure

• Are immunocompromised and require vaccine response verification

• Need booster vaccination assessment

Benefits of the Rabies Antibody test

1. Confirms protective immunity
   Verifies adequate antibody response to vaccination.

2. Supports occupational health requirements
   Commonly required for high-risk professions.

3. Essential for travel health compliance
   Useful for regions with rabies exposure risk.

4. Assesses vaccine effectiveness
   Ensures immunisation has produced sufficient protection.

5. Guides booster vaccination decisions
   Helps determine need for additional doses.

6. Provides documented immunity evidence
   Suitable for official records and compliance.

7. Non-invasive immunity assessment
   Requires only a blood sample.

8. Supports post-exposure follow-up
   Confirms immune status after exposure management.

Step-by-step – how we offer Rabies Antibody testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood sample collected by a qualified clinician or phlebotomist

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Rabies Antibody results explained

Non-protective antibody levels

Low antibody levels suggest insufficient immune protection. This may occur if vaccination response was inadequate or immunity has waned over time.

Booster vaccination may be recommended depending on risk level.

UK reference interpretation:

• Non-protective: <0.5 IU/mL

Protective antibody levels

Protective levels indicate adequate immunity against rabies. This suggests effective vaccination response and sufficient protection.

Protective immunity is important for individuals at ongoing risk.

UK reference interpretation:

• Protective: ≥0.5 IU/mL

High antibody levels

High antibody levels indicate strong immune response, often seen shortly after vaccination or booster doses. This is generally reassuring and not harmful.

UK reference interpretation:

• High: Above protective threshold