What is Tetanus?
Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, a spore-forming bacillus. This anaerobic bacillus releases a neurotoxin into the body.
Infections generally enter the body through broken skin, such as after a graze, cut, burn, animal bite or tattoo.
It is not transmissible between people.
The Tetanus Vaccination
The UK vaccine schedule provides five tetanus vaccines across a person’s childhood:
- Doses at 8, 12 and 16 weeks are included in the 6-in-1 vaccine.
- At three years and four months, 1 dose is incorporated into the 4-in-1 preschool booster.
- The fifth and final dose is included in the 3-in-1 teenage booster, which is given at age 14.
It is possible more boosters will be required later in life.
But what if you grew up outside of the UK, or you simply can’t remember being vaccinated?
What is ProTetanus?
This is a simple, rapid test that can detect anti-tetanus antibodies. This means there is no need to administer prophylactic treatment if it’s not needed. Healthcare workers can easily check the patient’s current tetanus status.
Results from the test, which can be performed on a single drop of blood, are generally available in under ten minutes. A positive result indicates that the patient’s antibody levels are at least ten times higher than required by the World Health Organisation.
False positives are impossible with ProTetanus tests. as it is 100% specific, as well as being 85.8% sensitive.
Positive result:
If a positive result reveals antibodies at least 10 times above the World Health Organisation standard, then no further action is required.
Negative result:
A negative result suggests an inadequate number of antibodies in the blood, which therefore indicates you need a tetanus booster.
What Is Specificity?
Specificity refers to the reliability of a test. ProTetanus is highly specific, and therefore highly reliable. If it indicates adequate antibodies then it is certain there are adequate antibodies – the result will not mislead you.
Availability And Cost
View your preferred pharmacy online or visit in person to discuss this service further.
- Take a blood sample.
- Add to testing well.
- Insert three drops of diluent.
Results should be available in 10 minutes or less.
Service cost: £15 per test
