Vaccination status for pneumococcal polyvalent vaccine (13-valent conjugate or 23-valent polysaccharide)
This test checks whether you have been vaccinated against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause serious infections like pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or meningitis.
["This helps confirm if your immunity is up to date against pneumococcal disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55270-3
- Short code
- S pneum polyvalent immunization status
- Synonyms
- S pneum polyvalent immunization status
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have a history of pneumococcal disease, are at high risk (e.g., due to weakened immune system, chronic health conditions, or age), or if you’re planning to receive the vaccine for the first time. It can also be part of routine check-ups for certain groups.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample, usually from your arm, using a small needle. The process is quick and typically painless, though you may feel a slight pinch.
How the Test Works
The test involves measuring antibodies (immune proteins) in your blood that indicate whether you’ve been exposed to or vaccinated against pneumococcal bacteria. The method used may include immunoassay techniques to detect these antibodies.
What the Results Mean
Positive results suggest you have immunity from vaccination or prior exposure. Negative results mean you may not have adequate immunity and could benefit from vaccination. Results are qualitative (yes/no) and do not provide a numeric range.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for identifying individuals who need pneumococcal vaccination to prevent serious infections. It helps ensure timely vaccination, especially for high-risk populations like children, elderly adults, and those with chronic illnesses or immune deficiencies.
Short name
Pneumococcal Vaccine Status
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
What if my test result is negative?
Can this test be done with other vaccines?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy