Benzene Metabolite Antibody Titration (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the level of antibodies in your blood that react to benzene, a chemical found in some industrial products and environmental exposures.
["Understanding your antibody response to benzene exposure can help assess potential health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34433-3
- Short code
- BARTFC
- Synonyms
- B henselae Ab Titr Ser FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold-top) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 256 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 86611
- SNOMED
- 122458008
- Specimen volume
- 1–2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2–8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects the presence and concentration of antibodies specific to benzene metabolites in your serum or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces in response to exposure to certain chemicals, like benzene. This can indicate past or ongoing exposure.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve been exposed to benzene, either through occupational hazards, environmental contamination, or other sources. It can help evaluate immune system response and monitor potential health effects.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma for testing.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are qualitative (positive or negative) and indicate whether antibodies to benzene metabolites are present. Higher levels may suggest more recent or prolonged exposure, though they don’t directly measure benzene concentration in your body.
Reference range
Negative: <1:64; Equivocal: 1:64–1:128; Positive: ≥1:256. Titers ≥1:64 suggest prior exposure; ≥1:256 considered clinically significant for cat-scratch disease or Bartonella infection.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Avoid recent antibiotic therapy when possible, as it may affect antibody response. Inform provider of recent travel, cat exposure, or symptoms (lymphadenopathy, fever, fatigue).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Antibody levels to benzene metabolites can serve as a marker for immune system activation due to exposure. While elevated levels may raise concern about exposure history, they do not alone confirm acute toxicity. Further clinical correlation with exposure history, symptoms, and other tests may be needed for a full assessment.
Short name
Benzene Antibody Level
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Can This Test Detect Acute Benzene Poisoning?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy