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Questions not answered on this page are welcome – please email us at
rabies@vet.ksu.edu.
Do you run the RNATT?
RNATT stands for Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test. Both the RFFIT and
FAVN are methods that measure Rabies Virus Neutralizing Antibody (RVNA)
titers. RNATT is a general term for the RFFIT and FAVN methods.
How long should I wait after my pet has been
vaccinated before drawing the sample?
We advise waiting 3 weeks between vaccination and draw date. However, some
countries have different requirements and because of this we recommend
directly contacting the country of destination. For example, Sweden requires
a 120 day wait period between vaccination and sample draw date.
How long does the test take?
Once the sample has been received, the test normally takes about 2-3 weeks
to complete. We process samples in the order they are received, and we
recommend checking with the laboratory since the turnaround time varies with
sample load and holidays.
Where is the original result document?
If the pet is traveling to Hawaii, Guam or any of the Caribbean Islands, the
original document has already been forwarded to the destination.
If the pet is traveling somewhere other than Hawaii, Guam or the Caribbean
Islands, we send the original document to the submitting laboratory or
clinic. However, if the sample was sent through a reference laboratory (i.e.
Antech, Idexx, etc.) the clinic will need to contact the reference
laboratory directly to obtain the original result document. Most
destinations will accept a copy of the results and we are able to fax
government authorities if needed.
My pet’s rabies titer failed (was <0.5 IU/mL),
what’s next?
Most rabies-free countries have extended quarantine periods for pets that
don’t meet minimum requirements. If you want to revaccinate the pet and try
testing again, we recommend waiting three weeks after the booster before
drawing a new sample. Please double check the results to make sure the pet
actually failed (<0.5 IU/mL).
When does the 120 day countdown begin for
Hawaii?
The day the sample is received at the KSU Rabies Laboratory begins the
countdown. As long as the titer result is of a passing level (>0.5 IU/mL)
and within 120 days after the received date, the animal will be eligible to
enter Hawaii.
What do the rabies titer results mean; is 1:50
greater or less than 1:5?
See linked documents
Understanding Rabies Titers for Animals or
Understanding Rabies
Titers for Humans.
My unvaccinated/overdue pet was bitten by a
known/suspected positive animal. Will a titer test tell me whether my pet
has rabies?
Titer testing is not generally a diagnostic tool. But is the animal has
never been vaccinated, a titer would indicate disease. Unfortunately, the
absence of a titer is not a rule-out for rabies diagnosis, since some rabid
animals may not have detectable levels of rabies antibodies. If an animal
has a vaccine titer, then a sudden spike might indicate disease.
Does the sample need to be frozen?
No, refrigeration is all that is required. The sample should be sent with
coolant packs when shipped. Please find additional shipping requirements on
our submitting information form.
Are the results available by the website?
No, the results cannot be obtained through the internet. They will need to
be obtained from the submitting laboratory or clinic.
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