Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No
- Turn-around: 2-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Diagnose whooping cough when symptoms persist beyond two weeks
- Verify immunity after vaccination or natural infection
- No doctor visit required - order online and get results confidentially
- Fast results delivered in 1-5 days for quick peace of mind
- Highly accurate ELISA testing with 95-98% specificity (CDC 2023)
- Support public health by identifying cases early to prevent spread
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults and teens with persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Close contacts of confirmed pertussis cases needing immunity verification
- Healthcare workers, caregivers, and teachers requiring proof of immunity
- Parents and family members around newborns and infants
- Individuals with unclear vaccination history or missing immunization records
- People in outbreak settings or high-risk environments
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment needed, results reviewed by physician
- Visit lab - Quick blood draw at convenient location near you
- Get results - Secure online results in 2-3 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgG antibodies against pertussis toxin, indicating past infection or vaccination immunity.
Can recent vaccination affect results? Yes, Tdap/DTaP vaccination within 2-6 months can cause positive results (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Why not just use a throat swab? Blood antibody tests work better for symptoms lasting over two weeks when swabs become less reliable.
Is this test accurate? Yes, with 85-95% sensitivity and 95-98% specificity when used appropriately (CDC 2023).
Do I need to fast? No fasting required - eat and drink normally before your blood draw.
How soon can I get results? Results are typically available within 1-5 days depending on lab processing time.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test detects IgG antibodies specific to Bordetella pertussis toxin, the bacterium causing whooping cough. Using advanced ELISA methodology, it identifies whether you have immunity from prior infection or vaccination. The test is particularly valuable for diagnosing pertussis in later stages when other tests become less sensitive, helping confirm infection in patients with prolonged or atypical symptoms (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test serves health-conscious individuals seeking direct access to diagnostic information without requiring a doctor's visit. It's especially valuable for adults and adolescents, who represent over 60% of underdiagnosed pertussis cases (Mayo Clinic 2019). Healthcare workers, teachers, and caregivers of infants benefit from immunity verification, while anyone with persistent respiratory symptoms lasting more than two weeks should consider testing.
When should I order Bordetella Pertussis Antibodies Blood Test, IgG?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms lasting more than two weeks, as early diagnostic methods like PCR become less effective over time. It's also recommended for verifying immunity after vaccination, assessing exposure risk in outbreak settings, or when you have unclear vaccination history. The test provides crucial information for protecting vulnerable populations, especially infants who account for 50% of pertussis-related hospitalizations (CDC 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Negative (< 40 IU/mL)
- What it means: No IgG antibodies detected
- Typical action: Consider vaccination or repeat testing
Borderline (40 to <100 IU/mL)
- What it means: Equivocal result
- Typical action: Repeat test in 10–14 days
Positive (≥ 100 IU/mL)
- What it means: Recent infection or vaccination
- Typical action: Discuss with healthcare providermeans: Recent infection or vaccination
Early detection and treatment can reduce transmission and severity, potentially saving $1,000-$5,000 in medical costs per prevented case (CDC 2023).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. Continue taking regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. However, inform the lab if you've received a Tdap or DTaP vaccination within the past 2-6 months, as this can influence results. The blood draw is simple and typically takes just a few minutes.
How often should I get tested?
- Routine immunity check: Suggested interval: Every 10 years with Tdap booster
- Healthcare worker screening: Suggested interval: As required by employer policy
- Post-exposure monitoring: Suggested interval: Single test 2–4 weeks after exposure
- Symptom evaluation: Suggested interval: Once during illness, repeat if borderline
Why early detection matters
With over 15,000 reported pertussis cases in the U.S. in 2023, and actual numbers likely higher due to underdiagnosis (CDC 2024), early detection is crucial for public health. Pertussis is highly contagious and can be especially severe in infants and vulnerable populations. Prompt identification allows for appropriate treatment, reduces transmission risk, and helps protect community health through early intervention strategies.
Related tests you may consider
B Pertussis IgG, IgM, and IgA Antibodies Blood Test- Detects IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies produced in response to a Bordetella pertussis infection.
Immunoglobulin G Blood Test, Subclasses 1-4- Used to study patients with recurrent bacterial infections or allergies.
Tetanus and Diphtheria Antibody Profile Blood Test- Detects antibodies and helps determine if an individual has been vaccinated against or previously infected by tetanus and diphtheria.
