Test Details
Methodology
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 4 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.
Use
This assay is intended to be used as an aid to the diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) and Bordetella parapertussis (whooping cough-like syndrome).
Limitations
The target for the B. pertussis PCR reaction, a region of IS481, is also found in Bordetella holmesii. A false-positive result for B. pertussis DNA may occur if B. holmesii is present in the sample tested.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, throat swab (dacron or rayon), or nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash
Volume
One NP/throat swab or 0.5 mL nasal aspirate/wash
Container
• Option 1 (preferred): Flocked NP swab submitted dry in plastic transport sleeve (PeopleSoft N° 93307)
• Option 2 (alternate): NP swab submitted in charcoal-containing transport media
• Option 3 (alternate): NP/throat swab submitted in universal transport media (UTM)
• Option 4 (alternate): NP wash/aspirate submitted in sterile container
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature or refrigerate. Do not freeze charcoal transport swabs or dry swabs. Swabs in UTM and NP aspirates/washes may be frozen for seven days.
Causes for Rejection
Calcium alginate swabs; swabs in noncharcoal-containing transport media; swabs in Regan-Lowe culture media
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 138677 | B.pertussisB.parapertussis PCR | 90441-7 | 138679 | Bordetella pertussis DNA | 91815-1 | |
| 138677 | B.pertussisB.parapertussis PCR | 90441-7 | 138680 | Bordetella parapertussis DNA | 91816-9 | |
| Order Code | 138677 | |||||
| Order Code Name | B.pertussisB.parapertussis PCR | |||||
| Order Loinc | 90441-7 | |||||
| Result Code | 138679 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Bordetella pertussis DNA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 91815-1 | |||||
| Order Code | 138677 | |||||
| Order Code Name | B.pertussisB.parapertussis PCR | |||||
| Order Loinc | 90441-7 | |||||
| Result Code | 138680 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Bordetella parapertussis DNA | |||||
| UofM | ||||||
| Result LOINC | 91816-9 |