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Bordetella Pertussis / Parapertussis by PCR

Test Code
BPDNA


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


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.