Bordetella pertussis

Microbiology

---

     

Specimen

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

Specimen container

Pernasal Swab

Gold top clotted (5ml)

Special Instructions

Please state time of collection and label with the minimum patient identification. Labelling must include the following:

• Surname
• First Name
• Date of Birth
• Unique Identifier – NHS Number  (Hospital No)

Please include relevant clinical details and any antimicrobial therapy the patient is taking.

Test Usage

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.

Availability

Sent to Reference Laboratory – Respiratory and vaccine preventable bacteria reference unit (RVPBRU), UKHSA Colindale

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

Urgent Specimen Instructions

Please contact the laboratory to discuss urgent tests and any other relevant tests e.g. pernasal swab culture.

Useful Links

Respiratory and vaccine preventable bacteria reference unit (RVPBRU)

RVPBRU Request Form

Pertussis – Lab Tests Online UK

Pertussis: guidance, data and analysis – UKHSA

Whooping Cough – NHS

 

Specimen Labelling Procedure