Name of the Procedure:

Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis

Summary

This test uses a technique called immunofluorescence to detect antigens from Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis. It helps identify these bacteria, which can cause whooping cough, directly from patient samples.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this procedure is to diagnose infections caused by Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis. It is meant to confirm the presence of these bacteria in individuals showing symptoms of whooping cough.

Indications

The procedure is indicated for patients showing symptoms consistent with whooping cough, such as severe coughing fits, inspiratory "whoop," and post-tussive vomiting. It is especially useful in patients who have had prolonged cough and in settings where rapid diagnosis is crucial, such as during a pertussis outbreak.

Preparation

No special preparation such as fasting is required. Patients may be advised to avoid nasal sprays or antibiotics prior to the test, as these can interfere with sample collection.

Procedure Description

1. Sample Collection: A healthcare professional collects a sample, most often a nasopharyngeal swab, from the patient.
2. Preparation of Sample: The sample is prepared and treated with antibodies tagged with a fluorescent dye that binds specifically to Bordetella antigens.
3. Immunofluorescence: The prepared sample is examined under a fluorescence microscope. If the bacteria are present, the tagged antibodies will fluoresce, indicating a positive result.

Duration

The procedure of collecting the sample usually takes a few minutes. Processing and examination in the lab can vary in duration but often takes a few hours to complete.

Setting

Sample collection can be performed in an outpatient clinic or hospital setting. The analysis of the sample is done in a laboratory equipped with a fluorescence microscope.

Personnel

• Sample Collection: Nurse or trained healthcare professional.
• Laboratory Analysis: Medical laboratory technician or microbiologist.

Risks and Complications

• Common: Minimal; sample collection is generally low-risk.
• Rare: Discomfort or minor bleeding from the nasopharyngeal swab.

Benefits

• Rapid Diagnosis: Helps quickly identify Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis.
• Early Treatment: Facilitates timely treatment, which can lessen symptoms and prevent spread.

Recovery

No recovery time is needed following the sample collection. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after.

Alternatives

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): More sensitive but typically more expensive and time-consuming.
• Culture Methods: Highly specific but slower, as it can take several days to obtain results.
• Serological Tests: Less immediate but useful in later stages of the disease.

Patient Experience

Patients may feel a brief uncomfortable sensation during the sample collection, but it is generally quick. Pain management is not typically necessary, and any discomfort should subside soon after the sample is taken.