IgG quantification (ELISA) against Pertussis Toxin (whooping cough) (sera)

Description of the test

Quantitative determination of anti-pertussis toxin IgG antibodies by ELISA.

Results: Results are expressed in International Units per milliliter (IU/ml).

Purpose of the test.

Diagnosis of recent Bordetella pertussis infection. The NRC allows this diagnosis to be performed at no cost to the patient.

Criteria for performing this test under the reference activities

(a) Patients who were not vaccinated in the last year

• Patients with disease duration > 3 weeks
• Patients with disease duration < 3 weeks and negative PCR; a second sample taken 2-3 weeks later is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

(b) Patients vaccinated within the last year

• Only if two serum samples are available; the first taken < 3 weeks after the first symptoms and the second at least 3 weeks after the first sample.

Sample instructions

• Type: Serum
• Storage and shipping conditions: Store at 4°C before shipping
• Sample stability: 14 days at room temperature
• Minimum quantity: 1 ml

Transport instructions

Transport in triple packaging and at room temperature. The container must be tightly closed.

Requests accepted but charged to the patient

Absence of NRC request form (including clinical data)

Time to receive test results (and frequency of testing)

• Time frame: 7 working days
• Testing frequency: 1 to 2 x per week

Communication of test results

• A test report is sent by email, fax or eHealth.
• If, upon receipt of the sample, it is damaged to such an extent that analysis is not possible, the applicant will be contacted