Bordetella pertussis toxin (PT) Antibody (IgG), Immunoassay
Also known as: Whooping Cough
Use
Antibody levels above the reference range are highly suggestive of recent infection or vaccination. The PT antibody assay aids in diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infection in patients with a persistent cough lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks. However, PT antibody results cannot be used to assess protective immunity, as the antibody levels that correlate with protection have not been well defined. PT IgG is preferred for identifying recent infection in individuals of all ages, with sensitivities and specificities >92%. PT IgA may be useful in children <10 years to distinguish infection versus vaccination.
Special Instructions
NA
Limitations
Cannot determine protective immunity; not FDA cleared or approved but validated under CLIA; specificity limited to PT antigen only—the only antigen specific to B. pertussis, while others like FHA lack specificity.
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 24127-3
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
Collection Instructions
Collect serum via SST or red top
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant