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Bordetella pertussis Antibodies, IgA, IgG, and IgM by ELISA

Whooping cough

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB5955, Beaker: XBRDA, ARUP: 2001775

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

Acute and convalescent samples must be labeled as such; parallel testing is preferred and convalescent samples must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute samples. Please mark sample plainly as "acute" or "convalescent."

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.
Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.3 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Severe lipemia.

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.3 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 year

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT.

Performed

Tuesday, Friday.
Results available in 2-6 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)/Qualitative Immunoblot.

Interpretation

Detectable levels of IgG antibodies to B. pertussis may be seen in the serum of vaccinated individuals of all ages, in early infancy as the result of placental transfer, and in the convalescent phase of a recent infection. IgG antibodies can only be used to diagnose active infection when paired sera are available and a rise in antibody level can be demonstrated. A significant rise may not always be demonstrated as peak levels of IgG may be reached before the first sample is collected. Therefore, IgA and IgM antibody levels should be measured to diagnose active disease.

Clinical Utility

These tests are used in the serological diagnosis of B. pertussis infections.

Clinical Disease

Pertussis presents with a mild upper respiratory infection that can progress to a severe cough with a characteristic whoop that is followed by vomiting. Fever may be absent or minimal. Pertussis may last from 6 to 10 weeks in uncomplicated cases. This disease is particularly severe in the children less than one year old (1).

Epidemiology

Humans are the only known hosts of B. pertussis. In the U.S., adolescents and adults are the major sources of pertussis. Widespread active immunization for pertussis in the U.S. has lowered the morbidity and mortality rates. Pertussis can occur at any age but it is most often diagnosed in young children. Thirty-eight percent of the cases reported to the CDC occurred in infants younger than 6 months; 71% occur in children younger than 5 years (1).

Incubation Period

6 to 20 days, usually 7 to 10 days (1).

Transmission

Occurs by close contact via respiratory secretions. Up to 90% of non-immune household contacts acquire the disease (1).

Reference

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Pertussis. In: Peter G, ed. (1994) Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 23rd ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 1994:355-367.

CPT Codes

86615x3. If reflexed, add 86615 for each Immunoblot.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/3/2023