What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a persistent, severe cough and want to know if whooping cough (pertussis) could be the cause. It's also useful if you were recently exposed to someone with confirmed pertussis, or if you want to confirm your body responded to a pertussis vaccination. Many people use this test when a cough has lasted weeks without another clear explanation.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with the normal reference range explained next to your value so you can see exactly where you fall. If your antibody level is elevated, simple next steps include resting, staying hydrated, and limiting contact with infants and others at higher risk while the cough resolves; if your cough is severe, worsening, or paired with breathing trouble, seek medical care right away. A standard lab report is available to download from your account at any time. You can also track this result over time using the trends feature if you retest later.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a lingering cough lasting more than two weeks, especially one with coughing fits or a whooping sound when breathing in, should consider this test. It's also useful for people who've had close contact with a confirmed pertussis case, parents wanting to check exposure risk in the household, or adults unsure if a past vaccine is still providing protection. Households with infants, who are most vulnerable to severe pertussis, may want extra peace of mind from this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for a cough that starts mild but becomes severe and comes in violent fits, sometimes ending in a high-pitched "whoop" sound when you inhale. Other clues include coughing so hard it causes vomiting, exhaustion after coughing spells, or a cough that drags on for weeks despite other cold symptoms fading. If you've been in close contact with someone diagnosed with pertussis, that's another strong reason to test even with mild symptoms.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is posted to your secure online account, where you can view and download it anytime.

What is pertussis and why does it matter?

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the airways caused by Bordetella pertussis. It matters because it can cause weeks of severe coughing in adults but can be life-threatening for infants and young children who haven't completed their vaccine series. Catching it early helps you avoid spreading it to vulnerable people around you.

What does a high antibody result mean?

A high level of pertussis toxin antibody usually means your immune system has recently encountered the bacteria, either through actual infection or a recent vaccination. If you haven't been vaccinated recently, an elevated result along with a matching cough points toward an active or recent pertussis infection. The lab report will explain how your specific value compares to the expected range.

What causes a high pertussis antibody result?

The two main causes of an elevated result are a recent Bordetella pertussis infection or a recent pertussis-containing vaccine (like Tdap). Timing matters here — antibody levels typically rise in the weeks following either exposure and then gradually decline, so a high result reflects your immune system's response within roughly the past several months.

How often should I retest?

If you're testing because of active symptoms, one test is usually enough to confirm recent exposure or infection. If you're monitoring vaccine response or had an inconclusive result, retesting a few weeks later can show whether antibody levels are rising or falling. There's no need for routine repeat testing unless new symptoms or exposures come up.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is elevated and you have an active cough, focus on rest, fluids, and avoiding close contact with infants, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system until your cough improves. Cover coughs and wash hands frequently to reduce spreading the bacteria to others in your household. If symptoms are severe — such as trouble breathing, bluish lips, or persistent vomiting from coughing — seek medical care immediately.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Pertussis Antibody Test - Whooping Cough Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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