Pernasal 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
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
Pernasal Swab
Gold top clotted (5ml)
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.
Detection of immunity to Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough).
Please state date of onset of symptoms otherwise sample will be stored
Please state relevant clinical details.
Please state if patient is immunocompromised.
Please give history of any contact.
Sent to Reference Laboratory – Respiratory and vaccine preventable bacteria reference unit (RVPBRU), UKHSA Colindale
1-2 weeks
Please contact the laboratory to discuss urgent tests and any other relevant tests e.g. pernasal swab culture.
Respiratory and vaccine preventable bacteria reference unit (RVPBRU)
Pertussis – Lab Tests Online UK
Pertussis: guidance, data and analysis – UKHSA
Specimen Labelling Procedure