Bordetella Pertussis IgG Antibodies Quantitative (Pertussis IgG) Test
About Bordetella Pertussis IgG Antibodies Quantitative (Pertussis IgG) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Bordetella pertussis serology, Pertussis IgG test, Whooping cough antibody test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 to 7 working days |
| Recommended For | Adults, adolescents, and children with suspected whooping cough symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks; individuals needing immunity verification |
| Price | Starting at ₹4400 |
What Is a Bordetella Pertussis IgG Antibodies Quantitative (Pertussis IgG) Test?
The Bordetella pertussis IgG antibodies quantitative test is a blood test that measures the level of IgG antibodies against Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium responsible for whooping cough. Doctors typically order this test when a patient has had a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more and early-stage tests such as PCR or culture have not provided a clear answer. It is also known as the Bordetella pertussis serology, the Pertussis IgG test or whooping cough antibody test. A serum sample is drawn from a vein in the arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What Does a Bordetella Pertussis IgG Antibodies Quantitative (Pertussis IgG) Test Measure?
This test measures the concentration of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the Bordetella pertussis bacterium in the blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to either a natural infection or vaccination. Because IgM and IgA antibodies appear earlier but decline rapidly, IgG antibodies are the primary marker used to detect past or later-stage infections and to assess long-term immunity.
Why Is a Bordetella Pertussis IgG Antibodies Quantitative (Pertussis IgG) Test Done?
The primary purpose of this test is to confirm a diagnosis of whooping cough in individuals who have been coughing for more than two to three weeks, a phase where direct detection methods like cultures or PCR are no longer reliable. It helps differentiate pertussis from other chronic respiratory conditions. Additionally, the test is used in public health surveillance to track outbreaks, evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination programs, and assess whether individuals, especially healthcare workers, have sufficient antibody levels for protection.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Whooping cough typically progresses through stages, and symptoms can vary based on age and vaccination history. This test is often indicated if you experience:
- A persistent, severe cough lasting more than 14 days
- Paroxysms of coughing (sudden, uncontrollable coughing fits)
- A characteristic "whooping" sound when inhaling after a coughing fit (less common in infants and vaccinated adults)
- Vomiting after coughing episodes (post-tussive emesis)
- Exhaustion following coughing fits
- Apnea (pauses in breathing) or cyanosis (turning blue), which are critical symptoms primarily seen in infants
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The quantitative IgG test primarily aids in diagnosing and managing:
- Active or Recent Pertussis Infection: Particularly during the paroxysmal or convalescent phases when the bacteria are difficult to culture.
- Atypical Pertussis: In vaccinated individuals or adults who may present with a prolonged cough without the classic "whoop."
- Immunity Status: Helping determine if an individual maintains protective antibody levels from prior immunization or infection.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the Bordetella pertussis IgG antibodies quantitative test. You can eat and drink normally before your sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water makes it easier for the phlebotomist to locate your veins.
- Inform Your Doctor: Share a list of all medications, supplements, and recent vaccinations (especially Tdap or DTaP shots) you have received, as these can significantly influence your results.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Sleeves that can be easily rolled up above the elbow are ideal.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The test involves a standard venipuncture process:
- A healthcare professional will clean the skin over a vein, typically inside your elbow, with an antiseptic.
- An elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around your upper arm to increase blood flow and make the vein more visible.
- A sterile needle is inserted into the vein, and blood is collected into a specialized tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage or gauze is placed over the puncture site to stop any minor bleeding.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several variables can complicate the interpretation of your quantitative IgG results:
- Recent Vaccination: Immunization with DTaP or Tdap vaccines within the past few months will naturally elevate IgG levels, making it difficult to distinguish vaccine-induced immunity from an active infection.
- Timing of the Test: Drawing blood too early in the course of the illness (within the first two weeks) may yield a negative result because the immune system has not had enough time to produce measurable IgG antibodies.
- Antibiotic Therapy: While antibiotics eliminate the bacteria and reduce transmission, they may blunt the ultimate antibody response if administered very early in the infection.
Understanding Your Bordetella Pertussis IgG Antibodies Quantitative (Pertussis IgG) Test Results
Interpreting quantitative IgG levels requires careful clinical correlation, taking into account your vaccination history and the duration of your symptoms:
- Significantly Elevated IgG Levels: High titers in a patient with a prolonged cough typically indicate a recent or current Bordetella pertussis infection.
- Moderate/Low Positive Levels: May suggest past exposure to the bacteria or residual antibodies from a previous vaccination.
- Negative Levels: Indicate a lack of detectable IgG antibodies. This could mean you do not have a pertussis infection, the test was performed too early, or your immunity from vaccination has waned over time.
Results During Special Conditions
In infants and young children, antibody patterns can be heavily influenced by maternal antibodies passed during pregnancy or their ongoing primary vaccination schedules. In pregnant women, checking antibody status is vital, as vaccination during the third trimester is strongly recommended to pass protective antibodies to the newborn.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Protection against whooping cough relies primarily on maintaining adequate immunization, as immunity from both natural infection and vaccines naturally declines over time. Following the recommended vaccination schedules—including childhood DTaP series and adolescent/adult Tdap boosters—is the most effective way to keep your antibody protection at optimal levels. Practicing good respiratory hygiene, such as covering your mouth when coughing and washing hands frequently, also reduces the risk of transmission.
Lupin Diagnostics Bordetella Pertussis IgG Antibodies Quantitative (Pertussis IgG) Test Price and Home Collection
The Bordetella pertussis IgG antibodies quantitative test starts at ₹4400 and is available at Lupin Diagnostics with home sample collection across major cities in India.
Price by City
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹4400 |
| Pune | ₹4400 |
| Hyderabad | ₹4400 |
| Bengaluru | ₹4400 |
| Chennai | ₹4400 |
| Kolkata | ₹4400 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the whooping cough antibody test across cities in India, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bordetella pertussis IgG antibodies quantitative test measures the level of IgG antibodies against the bacterium that causes whooping cough. It helps confirm whether a person has recently been infected or significantly exposed to the bacterium. It is most useful when symptoms have been present for two weeks or more and PCR testing is no longer likely to detect the infection.
This whooping cough antibody test is most informative when collected two to eight weeks after the onset of coughing, as antibody levels are highest during this window. For symptoms present for fewer than two weeks, PCR-based tests are generally preferred.
No. The antibody response produced by vaccination and by natural infection cannot be told apart by this test alone. Your doctor will review your vaccination history and clinical symptoms together with the result to reach a conclusion.
This test is not recommended for neonates, young infants, or children between the ages of 4 and 7 years. The routine childhood vaccination schedule can interfere with result interpretation in these age groups. Your doctor will advise the most appropriate test for a child in this age range.
IgG antibody levels can remain elevated for several years after an initial B. pertussis infection. Because of this, a positive result on its own does not always confirm a current or recent infection, which is why your doctor will consider the full clinical picture before reaching a conclusion.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. The only preparation required is informing your doctor about recent vaccinations and any medications you are taking, as these can affect how results are interpreted.
Depending on your symptoms and how long you have been unwell, your doctor may also request a PCR test for Bordetella pertussis, IgA antibody testing, or a full pertussis antibody panel covering IgG, IgM, and IgA. These tests together can give a clearer picture of infection at different stages.
Bordetella Pertussis IgG Antibodies Quantitative (Pertussis IgG) Test
