Test Overview
Test Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Test Usage

Establish diagnosis of pertussis (whooping cough).

Reference Range *

No Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis DNA detected.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

The test should be performed only on patients with symptoms and clinical presentation consistent with pertussis. This test should not be used as a screening test, or for identification of "exposed individuals". False positive results are possible when testing asymptomatic colonized individuals. Cross-reactivity has been shown to occur with Bordetella holmseii, but the clinical significance of this is unknown.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Daily, once per day (specimen must be received by lab no later than 10:00 am to be included in daily run)
Analytic Time

1 day

Soft Order Code
PCRBP
MiChart Code
Bordetella pertussis / parapertussis PCR, Nasopharynx
Synonyms
  • Whooping Cough DNA by PCR
  • Pertussis DNA by PCR
Laboratory
Microbiology
Section
Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Collection

Swab posterior nasopharynx with calcium alginate, rayon, or dacron swab and place in M-4 RT media. Can be transported and stored at refrigerated or room temperature for up to 5 days. Do not use BD Eswab collection kit.

Alternate Specimen
A dry swab in a dry sterile cup or container will be accepted but is not preferred due to poor recovery of organisms with this type of specimen.
Normal Volume
1 mini-tip or regular flocked swab or NP swab
Minimum Volume
1 mini-tip or regular flocked swab or NP swab
Storage Temperature
Swabs at room-temperature or refrigerated for 5 days. Processed specimens (in 1% casamino acid) are good at refrigerated temperature for 5 days or indefinitely at -20C.
Rejection Criteria
NP swabs transported on Regan-Lowe or other transports with charcoal, or collected in BD ESwab kit are unacceptable.
Additional Information

PCR test includes DNA detection for Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis.

Billing
CPT Code
87801
Fee Code
32394
LOINC
41875-6
NY State Approved
No