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Synonyms
- Bordetella pertussis Culture
- Culture, Bordetella pertussis, Nasopharyngeal
- Pertussis Culture
- Whooping Cough Culture
Test Includes
Culture; isolation and identification by fluorescent antibody staining (additional charges/CPT code[s] may apply). CPT coding for microbiology and virology procedures often cannot be determined before the culture is performed. Requests with only a written order and no test number indicated will be processed according to Default Testing for Routine Microbiology.
Special Instructions
The request form must state evaluate for Bordetella pertussis.
Expected Turnaround Time
14 - 16 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Information
Related Documents
For more information, please view the literature below.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
Volume
One swab
Container
Flexible swab and special charcoal-containing Bordetella transport media (available from laboratory).
Collection
Guide the flexible swab into the contour of the nares and into the nasopharynx. Pass the swab gently through the nose. Leave swab in place near septum and floor of nose for 15 to 30 seconds. Rotate and remove. Place into special transport media available from the laboratory.
Storage Instructions
If possible, preincubate at 37°C; then use refrigerated temperature (2°C to 8°C) for transport.
Patient Preparation
Patient must not be on antimicrobial therapy.
Causes for Rejection
Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours); inappropriate specimen transport device (eg, noncharcoal-containing transport medium)
Test Details
Use
Isolate and identify B pertussis and B parapertussis; establish diagnosis of whooping cough
Methodology
Culture
Additional Information
Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA/PCR) procedures provide more rapid results and have been increasingly used in the diagnosis of B pertussis infection. Studies have shown that the best yield is obtained when PCR and culture are used to diagnose this infection.
References
Gilligan PH, Fisher MC. Importance of culture in laboratory diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infections. J Clin Microbiol. 1984 Nov; 20(5):891-893. 6096397
Håkansson S, Sundin CG, Granström M, Gästrin B. Diagnosis of whooping cough−A comparison of culture, immunofluorescence and serology with ELISA. Scand J Infect Dis. 1984; 16(3):281-284. 6149614
Hinman AR, Koplan JP. Pertussis and pertussis vaccine. Reanalysis of benefits, risks, and costs. JAMA. 1984 Jun; 251(23):3109-3113. 6427489
Loeffelholz MJ1, Thompson CJ, Long KS, Gilchrist MJ. Comparison of PCR, culture, and direct fluorescent-antibody testing for detection of Bordetella pertussis.J Clin Microbiol. 1999 Sep; 37(9):2872-2876. 10449467
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180224 | B pertussis, Nasophar Culture | 48741-3 | 180224 | B pertussis, Nasophar Culture | 48741-3 |
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