Dr. Vaccines
Titre Tests (Immunity Blood Tests)
One blood sample that proves what you are immune to, for universities, visa medicals and healthcare employment.
A titre test measures the level of antibodies in your blood against a specific infection. Above a defined threshold, you are considered immune, whether that immunity came from vaccination or from having had the illness.
Almost nobody orders these out of curiosity. They are ordered because an institution requires documented proof, and a recollection of childhood vaccination is not proof. For Indian applicants this comes up constantly, because childhood records from the 1990s and 2000s have usually long since disappeared.
At a glance
Which titres are commonly requested. Check your institution's exact list before booking.
| Vaccine or test | Status | Schedule | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) IgG | Recommended | Single sample | The most commonly required panel. Measles is the component institutions care about most, because campus outbreaks spread fast. Rubella matters separately for women planning a pregnancy. |
| Varicella (chickenpox) IgG | Recommended | Single sample | Required alongside MMR by most universities. Self-reported history is unreliable in both directions, which is exactly why the test is asked for. |
| Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) | Recommended | Single sample | Required for medical, nursing, dentistry and laboratory programmes. A level of 10 mIU/mL or above indicates protection. Usually run with HBsAg and anti-HBc so the full picture is clear. |
| Hepatitis A IgG | Conditional | Single sample | Less commonly required, but useful for Indian adults before vaccinating, since many are already immune from childhood exposure. |
| Tetanus / diphtheria antibody | Conditional | Rarely requested | Rarely asked for. Tetanus protection is normally handled by giving a booster rather than testing, since a booster is safe even if it was not strictly needed. |
Titre test or just vaccinate again?
Both are legitimate and the right answer depends on why you are asking. If you have no records, no particular deadline and no need for documentation, simply completing the vaccine course is simpler and entirely safe. There is no harm in vaccinating someone who is already immune.
Titre testing is better when an institution wants proof of immunity rather than proof of vaccination, when you would rather not have unnecessary injections, or when you are planning a pregnancy and specifically need to know your rubella status before conceiving.
Start earlier than feels necessary
The common mistake is treating this as a single appointment. It often is not. If a titre comes back negative or equivocal, you need the vaccine, and some institutions then want the titre repeated afterwards to confirm you responded.
That sequence, test then vaccinate then retest, can run over weeks, and hepatitis B on a standard schedule runs over six months. Starting two to three months before your deadline turns a stressful problem into an administrative one.
Equivocal results are common and not alarming
Results sometimes come back borderline rather than clearly positive or negative, most often for mumps, where vaccine-induced antibody levels fall over the years.
This does not necessarily mean you are unprotected. Immune memory can persist even when circulating antibody has dropped below the measurable threshold. But an equivocal result will not satisfy an institutional requirement, so the practical route is a booster dose and, if required, a repeat test.
Frequently asked questions
What is a titre test?
A blood test measuring antibody levels against a specific infection. Above a defined threshold you are considered immune, whether from vaccination or past infection. It is most often used to document immunity for universities and visa medicals.
Which titre tests do universities usually require?
MMR and varicella almost always, and hepatitis B for medical, nursing, dentistry and laboratory programmes. Requirements vary by institution, so check the exact list on your admission paperwork.
How long before my deadline should I get tested?
Two to three months. If a titre is negative you need the vaccine, and some institutions require a repeat test afterwards to confirm you responded. Hepatitis B alone runs over six months on a standard schedule.
Can all the titres be done from one blood sample?
Yes. MMR, varicella and hepatitis B titres are run from a single draw, and no fasting is required. Home sample collection is available if a clinic visit is difficult.
What happens if my result is negative?
You have the relevant vaccine, and if your institution requires it, the titre is repeated afterwards to document that you responded. This is routine, and the main cost is time, which is why starting early matters.
Book your titre tests
One blood draw covers MMR, varicella and hepatitis B. Bring your university or employer requirement sheet and we will make sure the report matches what they asked for.
Before you rely on this page
This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. Vaccine schedules depend on your age, medical history, pregnancy status, medications and previous immunisations. Our doctors will confirm what is right for you at your appointment. National recommendations are also revised periodically. We review these pages against current Indian and WHO guidance.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-01
Related pages
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MMR Serology (Measles, Mumps, Rubella Titre Test)
A single blood test that proves immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. The documentation universities and employers actually ask for.
Varicella serology
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A blood test that settles whether you had chickenpox, because family recollection is not reliable enough to act on.
Hepatitis B serology
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