Rabies Lab TestingVirtual appointments throughout Alberta. Lab requisition and Rx for a booster if needed can be done locally.
Our rabies immunity testing service is an ideal and hassle-free virtual solution for busy veterinary professionals who want to ensure their immunity against rabies and meet the necessary standards of practice. You don't have to come in for an in-person appointment.
Our Process
Book your virtual appointment through our online scheduling service.
During your appointment, one of our pharmacists knowledgeable in immunity and vaccines will provide an assessment and send a lab requisition directly to you via our secure online portal.
You arrange a blood test at a lab of your choice within Alberta.
We will notify you once your lab results are available. We can provide a letter of immunity or help you arrange to get a booster dose of rabies vaccine.
Getting a booster dose of rabies vaccine can be arranged through AHS Public Health at no charge. Alternatively, we can send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice within Alberta. You would be responsible for the cost of the vaccine at the pharmacy. If you live near Airdrie, we can arrange for an in-person booster appointment.
Please note that rabies titres can take 2-3 weeks to process. We will contact you within 48-72 hours of receiving the results.
The cost of the rabies titres appointment is $50. This includes the assessment, sending a lab requisition, follow up with results, and providing documentation and/or a prescription for a booster dose. It does not cover the cost of the rabies vaccine if needed.There is no charge for the lab work with your Alberta Health Care card.
About Us
Polaris Travel Clinic and Pharmacy is located in Airdrie, Alberta. Our clinic opened in 2013. We provide travel, occupational, school, and other vaccines. You can check our main website at polaristravelclinic.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rabies and how is it spread?
Rabies is an infection of the central nervous system caused by a family of viruses. These viruses are transmitted in the saliva through the penetrating bite of rabid animals.
What is a rabies titres test?
A rabies antibody titre test is an estimation of your immune response against rabies virus either through exposure or vaccination.
How are rabies titres measured and analyzed?
Rabies titres are measured through a blood test done at a laboratory. Most labs can do the blood draw if they have been provided a lab requisition from their provider.
Who should have a rabies titre test done?
Rabies virus neutralizing antibody tests should be used to monitor antibody levels in persons that may have an occupational risk of rabies virus exposure (e.g. veterinarians, rabies virus laboratory workers, etc.) or any other individuals who remain at heightened ongoing risk.
According to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, titre levels or IU/mL values equal to or above 0.5 IU/mL provide evidence of a robust immune response after rabies vaccination.
What if my rabies titres level is above 0.5 IU/mL?
This would be considered a "positive" test. A positive rabies titre level typically is considered good for 2 years. Keep a record of your result as proof. We will provide you documentation and you can also access your results through My Alberta health records.
What if my rabies titres level is below 0.5 IU/mL?
The test is would be considered "negative." The World Health Organization recommends that a single booster rabies vaccination be given when the titre drops below 0.5 IU/mL. People with ongoing high risk of exposure and inadequate titres should be given a booster dose, which has been shown to be effective in boosting immunity in previously immunized individuals.
How often should the rabies titres test be repeated?
The Canadian Immunization Guide and the Alberta Government recommends:
Individuals with ongoing high risk of exposure to rabies, such as veterinarians and veterinary staff, animal control or wildlife workers, those with ongoing bat exposures or those working with live rabies virus, the level of antibodies in your blood (titre) should be assessed every 2 years to assess protective immunity.
I have been bitten by a dog/bat/monkey should I book a titres appointment?
No you should immediately follow up with a physician to be assessed.
It should be emphasized that pre-exposure vaccination against rabies or a specific lab value such as 0.5 IU/mL does not eliminate the need for additional rabies vaccinations following a known rabies virus exposure. It does, however, simplify the rabies post-exposure treatment, and it may be protective in cases of unrecognized rabies exposure or when post-exposure treatment is delayed. There can be other immunological factors involved in the protection from rabies infection as well.
Do you provide the primary series of rabies vaccinations?
Yes! Contact us for more information.
Book Appointment
You can book a virtual rabies titres assessment online by going to our online scheduler located here.Please note that this service is only available for residents of Alberta.
Contact Us
Please feel to contact us by using this online email form or call us at 403-980-8747.
Polaris Travel Clinic and Pharmacy
404 -191 Edwards Way SW
Airdrie, AB T4B 3E2
Phone: 403-980-TRIP (8747)
Fax: 403-980-9042
Email: info@polaristravelclinic.ca
References
AVMA: Rabies pre-exposure vaccination and titers for the veterinary teamNational Association of State Public Health Veterinarians: Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary PersonnelAlberta.ca: Rabies PreventionRabies Vaccine: Canadian ImmunizationGuide
DisclaimerThe services and content provided in this website are made available and distributed on an “as is” basis. The services and its contents are being used at your own risk.In no event shall Polaris Travel Clinic and Pharmacy be liable for any damage, liability, loss or claim or for any indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of the services or contents of this website.Polaris Travel Clinic and Pharmacy recommends you consult with a health care provider who can work collaboratively with your family doctor, especially if you have underlying health problems.