Tdap Test | Tdap Blood Test for Immunity Antibodies

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Test

Test the levels of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis antibodies from previous infection or vaccination. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$135.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

This Tdap test measures tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis antibodies due to prior infection or vaccination.

This test cannot definitively determine immunity status for these infections, but it can detect antibodies from previous infection or vaccination. Also, it is not intended to and should not be used to determine whether you have an active tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis infection.

With Quest^®, you can buy a Tdap antibody blood test online and get testing at a nearby location – no doctor’s visit required.

This test may be right for you if:

You’re unsure whether you’ve had tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis (whooping cough) or the Tdap vaccination in the past
You are a close family member or caregiver for a newborn who is particularly vulnerable to whooping cough¹

This test may not be right for you if:

You are sick and you want to determine whether you have an active tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis infection (see Signs & Symptoms section below)

This test measures blood levels of antibodies to the following bacterial diseases to assess for previous infection or vaccination.

Tetanus
Tetanus, or “lockjaw," is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria. These bacteria can be found all over the environment, including in dirt, soil and manure. If it enters the body, usually through broken skin from an injury, it makes a toxin that causes painful muscle spasms and can cause a person’s neck/jaw muscles to lock. Other parts of the body can also be affected by these muscle spasms. Tetanus is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Diphtheria
Diphtheria is caused by strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. Diphtheria is highly contagious and spreads through the air, usually by coughing or sneezing and affects the nose and/or throat. People can also get sick with diphtheria by touching infected open sores.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis, also known as "whooping cough," is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is a highly contagious, respiratory infection that causes uncontrollable coughing. Whooping cough can affect all ages, but it can be especially severe in unvaccinated babies.

This test is not intended to and should not be used to determine whether you have an active tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis infection.

Signs and symptoms of these bacterial diseases are different and may include the following:

Tetanus

Jaw cramping or spasms, or “lockjaw”
Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms – often in the stomach
Painful muscle stiffness all over the body
Trouble swallowing
Headache
Fever and sweating
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
Seizures

Diphtheria

Weakness
Sore throat
Fever
Swollen glands in the neck

Pertussis (Whooping cough)

Severe coughing fits
Vomiting during or after coughing fits
Fatigue after coughing fits
Runny or stuffed-up nose
Fever
Difficulty breathing

If you have any of these symptoms, this test is not right for you. If you experience these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider to seek medical attention.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

In-person
In-home sample collection

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No doctor visit required for purchase. Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

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Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available.

View results

Get physician support

Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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+ in-home sample collection

If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $55 fee.

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Schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

View results

In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
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FAQs

How do tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis spread?

Tetanus is not contagious and is spread into someone’s body through broken skin, usually from injuries like punctures, burns, scrapes, and crushes. It can also infect someone’s body through breaks in the skin caused by surgical procedures, insect bites, dental infections, chronic sores and infections, and more.

Diphtheria and pertussis are both highly contagious and spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, or sharing breathing space. Diphtheria can also be spread by touching infected open sores.

What do I do if the results show that I do not have tetanus, diphtheria, and/or pertussis antibodies?

If your test results do not detect antibodies or detect antibodies below a certain level, it may indicate that you are at an increased risk for infection if you are exposed to the bacteria that cause these diseases. You should share your results with your healthcare provider, who can help you decide on next steps.

Can I be infected with tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis if the results are normal?

People who receive the recommended doses of the Tdap vaccine are usually considered protected for approximately 10 years. However, a few people may still become infected if they are exposed to the bacteria that cause these diseases.

Do I need a booster shot or another vaccination?

If your test results do not show presence of tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis antibodies or they are below a certain level, or if you have not received the recommended doses of the Tdap vaccine, or if you are pregnant, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if additional boosters may be beneficial.

What is the difference between the Tdap, DTaP, and Td vaccines?

Tdap provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis and is given to those who are 7 years or older.
DTaP provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis and is given to those who are younger than 7 years old.
Td provides protection against tetanus and diphtheria and is given to those who should not get pertussis vaccines due to allergies or medical conditions.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines for Family and Caregivers. Accessed March 18, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/family-caregivers.html

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tdap Vaccine Information Statement. Accessed March 18, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tetanus Symptoms and Complications. Accessed March 18, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/symptoms-complications.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diphtheria Signs and Symptoms. Accessed March 18, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diphtheria/about/symptoms.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pertussis Signs and Symptoms. Accessed March 18, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/signs-symptoms.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know. Accessed March 18, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td/public/index.html

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Test