PCR – Detection of current/recent infection with Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough).
Serology – Detection of antibodies to Bordetella pertussis toxin (whooping cough).
PCR – Nasopharyngeal/Throat Swab – This would be appropriate for testing patients who have had a cough for less than two weeks. Testing is carried out for B. pertussis by PCR, and positivity drops off after 5 days of cough. Please state date of onset in clinical details.
Serology – Blood sample (serum) – This would be appropriate for testing patients who have had a cough for greater than two weeks. Please state date of onset in clinical details.
PCR – Viral Swab (Green topped MWE Virocult swab / Red topped Copan UTM swab or Blue topped Copan M swab)
Serology – Gold top clotted (5ml)
For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):
Search for: ‘Bordetella pertussis (Whooping Cough)‘ or test code ‘O1230200‘
Please state time of collection and label with the minimum patient identification. Labelling must include the following:
Please include relevant clinical details and any antimicrobial therapy the patient is taking.
Please state date of onset of symptoms otherwise sample will be stored
Please state if patient is immunocompromised.
Please give history of any contact.
Sent to Reference Laboratory:
PCR: UKHSA South West (Severn Pathology), Bristol
Serology: Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), UKHSA Colindale, London
1-2 weeks
Please contact the laboratory to discuss urgent tests and any other relevant tests e.g. pernasal swab culture.
Pertussis – Lab Tests Online UK
Pertussis – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best Practice
Pertussis: guidance, data and analysis – UKHSA
Bordetella pertussis Molecular assay (NAAT) | North Bristol NHS Trust
Respiratory and vaccine preventable bacteria reference unit (RVPBRU)
(Sounds Like: Pertussus, Pertassus, Bordatella)
Specimen Labelling Procedure
9018
