Bordetella pertussis, Nasopharyngeal Culture

Test ID: 

705717

CPT code:

87070

Synonyms:

Bordetella pertussis Culture

Culture, Bordetella pertussis, Nasopharyngeal

Pertussis Culture

Whooping Cough Culture

Clinical Use:

Isolate and identify B pertussis and B parapertussis; establish diagnosis of whooping cough

Additional Test 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.

Specimen Type:

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab

Requested Volume: 

One swab

Container Type: 

Flexible swab and special charcoal-containing Bordetella transport media (available from laboratory).

Patient Preparation: 

Patient must not be on antimicrobial therapy.

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.

Rejection Criteria

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)