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Bordetella Pertussis / Parapertussis by PCR
Test CodeBPDNA
Alias/See Also
Whooping cough
CPT Codes
87798 x2
Preferred Specimen
Nasopharyngeal swab in UTM (Universal Transport Media)
Unacceptable media: Abbott Multi-collect, Abbott Universal collect, eSwab, PrimeStore-MTM, Ruhof, MANTACC, ARUP UTM, media with guanidine-containing materials or ‘molecular media’ that indicates inactivation of pathogens and preservation of RNA/DNA.
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Submit Nasopharyngeal Wash in sterile container
Instructions
None
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature 48 hours
- Refrigerated 7 days
- Frozen 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
- Specimens collected with wooden shaft swabs, calcium alginate swabs, or cotton swabs.
- Unacceptable media: Abbott Multi-collect, Abbott Universal collect, eSwab, PrimeStore-MTM, Ruhof, MANTACC, ARUP UTM, media with guanidine-containing materials or ‘molecular media’ that indicates inactivation of pathogens and preservation of RNA/DNA.
Methodology
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Setup Schedule
M, T, W, Th, F, Sa
Report Available
Same day tested at the performing laboratory.
Clinical Significance
Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough. Infants are at risk for severe complications. Recovery of organism by culture is difficult due to environmental exposure; PCR testing provides rapid, highly sensitive detection.
Performed By
Alverno Laboratories
Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMB8 (Molecular Biology, 3M Integrated Cycle)
Last Updated: July 3, 2025