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Pertussis antibodies in oral fluid test: instructions for health protection teams

Updated 10 February 2025

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pertussis-whooping-cough-oral-fluid-laboratory-request-form-and-instructions/pertussis-antibodies-in-oral-fluid-test-instructions-for-health-protection-teams

Pertussis antibodies in oral fluid enhanced surveillance scheme (2 to under 17 years old)

Who is eligible for a pertussis oral fluid test

A person is eligible for a pertussis oral fluid test when all of the following are true, they:

  • are aged 2 years and older, but under 17
  • have received a pertussis notification by phone or on paper
  • have had a cough that started more than 14 days ago
  • have not already been tested for laboratory evidence of pertussis
  • have had no known pertussis vaccination in the previous year

How to request an oral fluid kit

The health protection team (HPT) should download the Pertussis antibodies in oral fluid: laboratory request form and letter template for notified cases.

Laboratory request form

For the laboratory request form, complete all the details in full :

  • GP surgery and full address including postcode
  • health protection team
  • CIMS reference number
  • patient name
  • date of birth
  • NHS number
  • sex
  • patient’s full address including postcode
  • date of onset (if known)

If the GP information is incomplete, the results may inadvertently be sent to the wrong GP and therefore breach Caldicott guidelines.

Letter

For the letter complete:

  • CIMS reference number
  • patient name

Email the laboratory request form and covering letter to Intelsius at ukhsaorders@intelsius.com using the secure egress system as the document will include personally identifiable information (PII). The OFK will be prepared and posted directly to the patient on the same day, if the email is received by 3pm on a weekday, or the next working day if it is received after 3pm.

Results

For the letter complete The OFK will be processed by the Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU) in the usual way. It will take about 2 to 3 weeks to generate the complete results which will then be:

  • sent to the GP by post
  • copied to the HPT (via e-lab)

Please note that no paper copies of oral fluid pertussis reports will be sent to HPTs.

Contacts

Contact the LabPortal helpdesk if you have any queries relating to e-lab at elab.helpdesk@phe.gov.uk.

Scientific co-ordinators: Sonia Ribeiro and Dr Helen Campbell, telephone number 020 8327 6058 / 0208 327 7150

Medical co-ordinator: Dr Sharif Ismail, telephone number 07811 941808

RVPBRU Laboratory result queries, RVPBRUqueries@ukhsa.gov.uk or Dr David Litt, telephone number 020 8327 7476

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