Pertussis IgG Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Pertussis IgG Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Bordetella pertussis IgG, B. pertussis Antibody IgG, Whooping Cough Antibody Test, Pertussis Serology, Anti-pertussis Toxin IgG, PT-IgG |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 to 7 days (may vary by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | All ages; most useful in adults and adolescents with symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks; not recommended for children aged 4 to 7 years due to routine vaccination interference |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,200 |
What Is a Pertussis IgG Antibody Test?
The Pertussis IgG Antibody test is a blood test that detects IgG-class antibodies against pertussis toxin (PT), a substance produced specifically by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Doctors order this test when a patient has had a persistent cough for two weeks or more, and whooping cough is suspected. The test is also called the Whooping Cough Antibody Test, Bordetella pertussis Serology, or simply PT-IgG, and it uses a blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm.
What Does a Pertussis IgG Antibody Test Measure?
The test uses an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method. In simple terms, the lab checks whether your blood contains antibodies that specifically target pertussis toxin, a protein made only by Bordetella pertussis.
The table below describes what the test looks for and why it matters.
| Component | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| IgG anti-pertussis toxin (PT) antibodies | Immune proteins in your blood that react to pertussis toxin | Only pertussis toxin is specific to B. pertussis, making this the most reliable marker for diagnosis or evidence of past exposure |
| Antibody level (IU/mL) | The measured quantity of IgG B. pertussis antibodies in your serum | Higher levels suggest recent infection or recent vaccination; lower levels suggest no recent exposure |
Why Is a Pertussis IgG Antibody Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to confirm whether a patient's prolonged cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis, or to check for evidence of past exposure. Understanding the reasons can help you know what to expect.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are common reasons a doctor may recommend a whooping cough antibody test:
- Persistent cough lasting two weeks or more
- Intense, uncontrollable coughing bouts
- A 'whoop' sound when gasping for breath after a coughing fit
- Vomiting immediately after coughing
- Coughing up thick mucus
- Red, watery eyes and a runny nose
- A mild fever with a sore throat in the early stages
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may use the Pertussis IgG Antibody test to investigate or confirm several conditions:
- Recent infection with Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough), particularly in patients with symptoms for two or more weeks
- Past exposure to B. pertussis bacteria
- Evidence of a prior immune response, either from infection or vaccination
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. Here is everything you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as normal before your blood draw. There are no dietary restrictions for this test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure your sample is collected smoothly and your results are accurate:
- Tell your doctor about any recent pertussis vaccinations (DTaP or Tdap), especially if given within the past 2 to 6 months, as this can affect the interpretation of your results
- Inform your doctor about all current medications and supplements
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment to stay well hydrated
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy arm access
- Note that this test is not recommended for newborns, young infants, or children aged 4 to 7 years, as their routine vaccine schedule can interfere with the results
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is quick and simple. Here is what happens during your visit:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the inside of your elbow with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm. This takes less than a minute.
- The blood sample is processed promptly; the serum (clear fluid) is separated from the blood cells within 2 hours of collection.
- The serum is transferred into a standard transport tube and clearly labelled.
- The sample is sent to a NABL-accredited laboratory for ELISA testing.
- Results are typically ready within 3 to 7 days and delivered digitally.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable your result is:
- Testing too early in the illness (fewer than 2 weeks of symptoms) may produce a falsely negative result, as the antibody response takes time to develop
- Recent B. pertussis vaccination within the past 2 to 6 months can cause a positive result unrelated to active infection
- Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella parapertussis, a related bacterium, will not be detected by this test
- Improper or delayed separation of serum from the blood sample can affect test quality
- Patients with a weakened immune system may produce lower antibody levels than expected
Understanding Your Pertussis IgG Antibody Test Results
Your doctor will review your results alongside your symptoms, vaccination history, and overall health. The table below shows the general reference ranges used to interpret this test.
| Result | IgG Anti-PT Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | Less than 40 IU/mL | No IgG antibodies to pertussis toxin detected |
| Borderline | 40 to less than 100 IU/mL | Indeterminate; repeat testing in 10 to 14 days is recommended if clinically indicated |
| Positive | 100 IU/mL or more | IgG antibodies detected; suggests recent infection with or recent vaccination against Bordetella pertussis |
"These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice."
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can make results harder to interpret. Your doctor will take these into account.
- Recent vaccination: A pertussis vaccine received within 2 to 6 months before testing may produce a positive anti-PT IgG result, which cannot be distinguished from a result caused by actual infection.
- Age (children 4 to 7 years): The routine childhood vaccination schedule in this age group can interfere with result interpretations, which is why the test is generally not recommended for this age group.
- Early testing: A result taken within the first 2 weeks of symptoms may be falsely negative, as the body has not yet produced a detectable antibody response.
- Immunocompromised patients: Those with reduced immune function may show lower-than-expected antibody levels, even if infection has occurred.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While there is no ongoing management for this test, the following general steps support respiratory health and help protect against whooping cough:
- Keep vaccinations up to date. Children should receive the DTaP vaccine, while adolescents and adults should receive a Tdap booster as advised by their doctor.
- Practise good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands regularly.
- If you develop a cough that lasts more than two weeks, especially after contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough, seek medical attention promptly.
Lupin Diagnostics Pertussis IgG Antibody Test Price and Home Collection
The Pertussis IgG Antibody test starts at approximately ₹2,200, and home sample collection is available across major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹4,400 |
| Bengaluru | ₹4,400 |
| Chennai | ₹4,400 |
| Hyderabad | ₹4,400 |
| Kolkata | ₹4,400 |
| Pune | ₹4,400 |
| Ahmednagar | ₹4,400 |
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 easy to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is sent directly to you via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Pertussis IgG Antibody test is primarily used to diagnose recent infection with Bordetella pertussis in patients with symptoms consistent with whooping cough for 2 weeks or more. It can also provide evidence of past exposure to the bacteria or a previous immune response from vaccination.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your blood draw. There are no special dietary preparations needed for this test.
No, the Bordetella pertussis serology test cannot distinguish between an antibody response caused by recent vaccination and one caused by active infection. Your doctor will consider your vaccination history and clinical symptoms together when interpreting the result.
PCR tests are most effective early in the illness. By the time many adults and adolescents seek medical attention, usually after two or more weeks of coughing, PCR sensitivity has declined. At this stage, the whooping cough immunity test for IgG antibodies becomes more useful, as the immune response typically becomes detectable around 2 weeks after infection begins.
The test is not recommended for newborns, young infants, or children between the ages of 4 and 7 years. The routine childhood vaccine schedule in this age group can interfere with result interpretation, making it difficult to decide whether a positive result reflects vaccination or active infection.
A borderline result (40 to less than 100 IU/mL) means the antibody level is in an indeterminate range. Your doctor may recommend repeating the Pertussis IgG Antibody test in 10 to 14 days to see whether antibody levels are rising, which would point towards active infection.
Results for the B. pertussis antibodies test are typically available within 3 to 7 days from the time your sample reaches the laboratory. Turnaround times may vary slightly depending on your location and the testing facility.
Pertussis IgG Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
