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Test ID: HIBS    
Haemophilus influenzae Type B Antibody, IgG, Serum

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Assessing a patient's immunological (IgG) response to Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) vaccine

 

Assessing immunity against HIB

 

As an aid in the evaluation of immunodeficiency

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) is an encapsulated gram-negative cocco-bacillary bacterium that can cause devastating disease in young children including meningitis, bacteremia, cellulitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, and septic arthritis.

 

One of the great advances in modern medicine has been the development of an effective vaccine against HIB. A patient's immunological response to HIB vaccine can be determined by measuring anti-HIB IgG antibody using this enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

> or =0.15 mg/L

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

An anti-Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) IgG antibody concentration of 0.15 mg/L is generally accepted as the minimum level for protection at a given time, however, it does not confer long-term protection. A study from Finland suggested that the optimum protective level is 1.0 mg/L postimmunization.(2) Furthermore, studies have shown that the response to HIB vaccine is age-related.

 

By testing pre- and postvaccination patient serum specimens, this test may be used to aid diagnosis of immunodeficiency.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

This assay does not provide diagnostic proof of the presence or absence of immune deficiency. Results must be confirmed by clinical findings and other laboratory tests.

Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Berger M: Immunoglobulin G subclass determination in diagnosis and management of antibody deficiency syndromes. J Pediatr 1987;110(2):325-328

2. Peltola H, Kayhty H, Virtanen M, et al: Prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteremic infections with the capsular polysaccharide vaccine. N Engl J Med 1984;310(24):1561-1566