Haemophilus type b (Hib) antibodies
| Category | Immunology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
This test measures IgG antibody levels to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) for the assessment of the T cell dependent specific immune response to the conjugate Hib vaccine. The Hib vaccine is part of the infant 6 in 1 vaccine given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, followed by a 4th Hib booster at age 1 year. In adults the Hib vaccine is no longer recommended in those at risk of invasive disease (asplenia, functional hyposlenism, classical complement deficiency) due to the successful childhood vaccination programme and the low risk of Hib disease The laboratory recommends this test only as a third line screen for patients with recurrent invasive bacterial infections, following serum immunoglobulins, tetanus IgG levels and pneumococcal IgG serotypes. |
| Clinical Indications |
Recurrent invasive bacterial disease |
| Reference range | 0.15 µg/L minimum protective level |
| Sample & container required | Serum RST (rust top) |
| Sample volume | 5-10 mL blood (1 mL serum) |
| Turnaround time | 28 days |
| Notes | Not currently performed in house; this test is performed by ELISA at OUH Oxford Immunology Laboratory |