Bordetella Pertussis Serology, Blood

Diagnostic Use

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)

Department

Microbiology - Serology

Delphic Registration Code

BORD

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

Bordetella IgG is not recommended for immune status testing. Only performed if requested by Public Health team or Microbiologist

Synonyms

Pertussis serology
Whooping cough serology

Turnaround Time

7 days

Test Code

2838

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10.0

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.1

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Preferred aliquot serum 2mL
Bordetella IgG is not recommended for immune status testing
Only performed if requested by Public Health team or Microbiologist

Interpretation

PCR is the test of choice during acute stages of pertussis infection, up to 4 weeks after onset of symptoms.
Serology will only be performed when requested by a Public Health team involved in outbreak management.
For more information refer to Canterbury Health Labs Test Manager Guide.

IgG levels in U/ml

>100 U/ml Indication for an acute infection or recent vaccination.

40-100 U/ml Further investigation is recommended

<40 U/ml No indication for an acute infection.

Reference Intervals

Reported as IgG levels in U/ml:

>100 U/ml Indication for an acute infection or recent vaccination.

40-100 U/ml Further investigation is recommended

<40 U/ml No indication for an acute infection.

Test Method

EIA

Non-Funded Test Cost

$54.04 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2931

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.

In the early stages of pertussis, PCR testing on a nasopharyngeal swab is the test of choice.

Contact Information

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