Rabies is a highly dangerous and often fatal disease that primarily affects the central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals.

Immunity to the rabies virus can be achieved through vaccination. Duration of immunity can vary from person to person, and booster vaccinations may be required periodically, especially for individuals at high risk of rabies exposure. Immunity to rabies can be assessed with eNational’s blood test.

Who should take this test?

Testing for immunity to rabies is crucial for individuals who may encounter the virus as part of their occupation (such as healthcare workers, veterinarians, and laboratory personnel working with rabies samples) or those traveling to areas with a higher risk of rabies transmission.

What is included in this test?

This blood test screens for:

• Rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies (RVNAs)

This rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) directly assesses the ability of antibodies to neutralize live rabies virus, providing a quantitative measurement of antibodies in the bloodstream. It is the gold standard for evaluating immunity to rabies.

How will taking this test benefit me?

Confirming your immunity to the deadly rabies virus can provide peace of mind before entering high-risk environments. If RVNAs (rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies) are determined to be at an insufficient level, a rabies booster shot may be necessary to provide adequate protection against the disease.