What is a Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Titer Test?

A titer test is a blood test that looks for specific antibodies. In the case of an MMR titer test, the test looks for the presence of antibodies for the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses.

Should I get my MMR titers tested?

There are several reasons you may need to get an MMR titer test, according to the University of Rochester. Some of these reasons are:

• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• You work with or plan to work with people who are immunocompromised
• You are unsure of your vaccination status
• You need to prove your vaccination status for an employee or academic campus admission

What to expect with an MMR titer test

An MMR titer test is a blood test. A healthcare professional will use a small needle to access a vein in your arm or hand, then take a small sample of blood. The blood will then be sent to a lab for analysis.

How often should MMR titer testing be done?

An MMR titer test is not a common test, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, it can be ordered as a condition of employment or academic campus admission. You may also request an MMR titer test anytime you want to confirm your immunity to any of the MMR viruses.

Understanding your MMR titer test results

The results of your MMR titer test will depend on the laboratory that conducts the analysis. Some laboratories report a number value for the level of immunity you have against each of the viruses, while other laboratories report only a positive or negative result in the presence (or lack thereof) of antibodies.

It is important to discuss your results with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the results.

Can an MMR titer test determine immunity?

Yes, an MMR titer test is commonly used to determine whether or not you have immunity to any of the three viruses, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

How long does it take to get MMR titer test results?

The speed of getting your test results will depend on the location in which you got your test done. Your testing facility or laboratory will be able to give you more information on when you can expect and how to access your results.

Finding an MMR titer test

MMR titer testing can be done at most laboratories, including walk-in laboratories.

Find a provider or laboratory near you that offers MMR titer testing by searching Solv’s directory. You can also book your test appointment.

Can I test my MMR titers at home?

There are currently no MMR titer tests that are available to purchase and use at home. This may change in the future, as medical advancements continue.

Cost of an MMR titer test

The cost of iron testing will vary depending on your location, your testing facility, and your insurance coverage. The national average of iron tests in the United States is between $60 and $105 according to FindLabTest.com.

More about measles, mumps, and rubella

According to the Mayo Clinic, measles, mumps, and rubella are three viral infections that can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe. They are all highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person through contact with respiratory secretions or saliva (coughing or sneezing). In some cases, according to the Mayo Clinic, these viruses can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, blindness, sterilization, and birth defects.

These viruses are particularly concerning for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, according to the CDC.

A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The “MMR” vaccine is currently recommended by the CDC as part of routine childhood vaccinations.

How accurate is titer testing?

In general, titer testing is considered to be accurate for determining immunity. The accuracy of titer testing can depend on a few factors, including the laboratory conducting the test, the method used to measure the antibody levels, and the timing of the test, according to the CDC.

It is important to note that while titer testing can determine whether you have antibodies to a specific virus, it does not necessarily guarantee immunity to the infection. Many vaccines work to help prevent severe disease, hospitalizations, and deaths, according to the CDC.

What should I do if my MMR titers are low?

If your MMR titers are low, meaning that the antibody levels in your blood are below the protective threshold. Immunology experts at immunize.org recommend speaking with your healthcare provider about your results and whether a vaccine booster is right for you.

Can my school or job require me to get my titers checked?

In many cases, schools and employers may require proof of immunity to certain infectious diseases. This may include requiring documentation of an MMR vaccination or MMR titer testing.

These requirements are put in place to protect the health and safety of students, employees, and the broader community by preventing the spread of infectious diseases, notes the CDC. If you have concerns about being required to get your titers checked or vaccinated, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider.

Will an MMR titer test tell me if I have measles, mumps, or rubella?

No, an MMR titer test is not used to diagnose whether you currently have measles, mumps, or rubella.

Instead, an MMR titer test measures the levels of antibodies to the viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella in your blood. The test can tell you whether you have immunity to these viruses, either from previous infection or from vaccination, notes the CDC.

If you have symptoms of measles, mumps, or rubella, or if you think you may have been exposed to someone with one of these infections, you should see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

The diagnosis is typically based on a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory testing, according to the CDC.