When considering testing for Bordetella Pertussis, PCR is the test of choice during the acute stages of pertussis infection, up to 4 weeks after the onset of symptoms.
Not used for immune status.The presence of B. pertussis IgG is not a reliable indicator for a patient’s immune status and should not be used in this context. We do not process samples for Bordetella immunity status. Where immune status is needing to be assessed, immunisation history and/or booster immunisation is recommended.
Serology is still of value for epidemiological surveillance and will from the 1st January 2020 routinely only be performed when requested by a public health team involved in outbreak management. Outside of this criteria, tests that are clinically indicated will be considered following contact and discussion with the clinical Microbiologist.
Bordetella Pertussis serology guidelines (updated Dec 2019)
Microbiology - Serology
BORD
Bordetella IgG is not recommended for immune status testing. Only performed if requested by Public Health team or Microbiologist
Pertussis serology
Whooping cough serology
7 days
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