Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Bacteriology (cultural): throat swab for corynebacteria (in pharyngeal diphtheria from the pharyngeal mucosa, under the pseudomembranes); also general pathogen and resistance, if necessary.
- Serology only suitable to vaccine titer control: AK against diphtheria toxin (see below).
* Detection of the pathogen is reportable by name according to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG).
Vaccination status – control of vaccination titers
| Vaccination | Laboratory parameters | Value | Rating |
| Diphtheria | Diphtheria antibody | <0.1 IU/ml | No vaccine protection detectable → basic immunization required(→ check after 4 weeks) |
| 0.1-1.0 IU/ml | Vaccination protection not reliably sufficient → booster required(→ check after 4 weeks) | ||
| 1.0-1.4 IU/ml | Booster recommended after 5 years | ||
| 1.5-1.9 IU/ml | Booster recommended after 7 years | ||
| > 2.0 IU/ml | Booster recommended after 10 years |
