Normal Values:

Normal values depend on the antibody being tested. If your health care provider is testing for antibodies against your own tissue, then the normal value would be zero or negative. In some cases, a normal level is below a certain, specific number.

If your health care provider is testing to see if an immunization brought your antibody titer up to a preventive level, then the normal result depends on the specific value for that immunization.

Negative antibody tests can help rule out certain infections.

What abnormal results mean:

If your health care provider is testing for antibodies against your own tissue, abnormal results would show a positive antibody titer. Depending on the strength of the titer, this could mean that your immune system is fighting its own tissue, cells, or substances.

If your health care provider is testing to see if your immunization brought your antibody titer up to a preventive level, an abnormal result would indicate that your body has not mounted an adequate response against the immunization, and you are not adequately protected from the disease.

A positive antibody test to infectious agents such as viruses can determine if you have a specific infection.

Low levels may also occur if you have an immune deficiency.