Antibody Testing: Applications in Clinical Practice

Dr. Richard Ford

A graduate of Ohio State University, Dr. Ford practiced small animal and equine medicine prior to completing the internal medicine residency at Michigan State University. He taught internal medicine at Purdue University and North Carolina State University. He is Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is an honorary Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Dr. Ford is the Lead Editor of the AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines and a co-author on the AAFP Feline Vaccine Guidelines.

In this webinar Dr. Richard B. Ford addresses the practical aspects of antibody testing for vaccine-preventable disease in clinical practice.

Abstract:
As “vaccine hesitancy” impacts veterinary medicine, the utilization of “Vaccine Titers” (Antibody testing for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases) has growing relevance in companion animal practice.  

The recent introduction of valid, Point-of-Care Tests kits provides clinicians the opportunity to objectively assess the need for, and response to, core vaccines…and do so within minutes. 
 

This presentation addresses the 3 most fundamental issues facing veterinarians regarding application of antibody testing in practice: 

1. are test results a valid indication of protective immunity?  
2. if so, what are the indications for testing individual patients?  
3. how do test results (“positive” vs “negative”) impact patient management decisions?