Overview: Bordetella Pertussis IgG TestIntroduction: The Bordetella Pertussis IgG Test detects IgG antibodies to Bordetella pertussis, indicating whooping cough infection, causing severe coughing. Aligned with 2023 IDSA guidelines, it uses an immunoassay for high sensitivity, aiding in infectious disease screening. This test is critical for guiding diagnosis, treatment, and improving outcomes in immunology for patients with suspected pertussis.
Other Names: Pertussis IgG Assay, Whooping Cough Antibody Test.
FDA Status: Laboratory-developed test (LDT), meeting immunology standards for diagnostic accuracy.
Historical Milestone: Pertussis antibody testing began in the 1980s with ELISA development. IgG-specific assays emerged in the 1990s, and by the 2000s, immunoassays improved detection accuracy.
Purpose: Diagnoses whooping cough, guides treatment, and monitors immunity in patients with severe coughing.
Test Parameters: 1. Bordetella Pertussis IgG
Pretest Condition: No fasting required. Collect serum or saliva at any time. Report symptoms like severe coughing or recent exposure, and list vaccinations.
Specimen: 2-5 mL serum (SST) or 1-2 mL saliva (sterile container). Centrifuge serum within 1 hour. Transport in a biohazard bag within 8 hours.
Sample Stability at Room Temperature: 8 hours
Sample Stability at Refrigeration: 7 days
Sample Stability at Frozen: 6 months
Medical History: Document cough duration, exposure history, or vaccination status. Include current medications, especially antibiotics.
Consent: Written consent required, detailing the tests purpose, diagnostic implications, and potential need for antibiotic therapy.
Procedural Considerations: Uses an immunoassay to measure pertussis IgG antibodies. Results are available in 1-2 days, enabling rapid clinical decisions.
Factors Affecting Result Accuracy: Recent vaccination or antibiotics may affect antibody levels. Hemolysis or improper storage can degrade samples.
Clinical Significance: Positive results confirm past or current pertussis infection, prompting antibiotic therapy or isolation. Negative results may require PCR testing.
Specialist Consultation: Consult an infectious disease specialist for result interpretation. A pulmonologist referral is advised for severe cases.
Additional Supporting Tests: Pertussis PCR, nasopharyngeal culture, or IgM test to confirm active infection.
Test Limitations: False positives may occur with recent vaccination. Results require clinical correlation.
References: IDSA Pertussis Guidelines, 2023; Clinical Infectious Diseases, Cherry JD, 2022.
