Bordetella pertussis, PCR

Message

Culture is only available at request of Infectious Disease Epidemiology.

Test Code

CSBP

Alias/See Also

Bordetella pertussis (State)

CPT Codes
87801

Preferred Specimen

Nasopharyngeal Swab in leak-proof container

Instructions

Refer to the instruction sheet in the pertussis collection kit (linked below). Do not use wooden/calcium alginate swabs. Only synthetic-tipped (polyester, dacron, rayon) swabs should be used.
Send dry tube with swab. Refrigeration is not required for PCR only specimens.

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Specimens collected with wooden shaft or calcium alginate swabs
Unlabeled, poorly labeled specimens, or leaking containers

Methodology
PCR

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

3 Days

Reference Range

Bordetella spp DNA NOT Detected

Clinical Significance

Pertussis is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Pertussis afflicts unvaccinated and previously vaccinated children, and adults in whom immunity has waned. Infants are at particular risk for severe disease and complications. Bordetella papapertussis may cause a similar illness, especially in children; however, the symptoms are less severe and of shorter duration than those associated with Bordetella pertussis.

Performing Laboratory
State of Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL)
221 State Street SHS12
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 441-7592

Additional Information
Maine State Lab Pertussis Submission Information Sheet
Instructions for Collecting Nasopharyngeal Specimens for Pertussis PCR

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.