Bordetella pertussis (Whooping cough)

For cases of suspected whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis PCR is now routinely available as part of the part of the BioFire FilmArray® Respiratory PCR (Community acquired) panel.

Sample type is a nose / throat swab sent in universal transport medium. This has the advantage of a same day result, which is important for treatment and infection control.

Bordetella pertussis culture is also available for diagnosis and/or confirmation. Ideally a pernasal sample should be obtained, but a throat swab can also be cultured - please inform the laboratory if sending a swab as specialised media is required.

Sample type

Pernasal swab

Nose / throat swab

Specimen requirements

Pernasal swab: obtain a fine wire swab

Nose / throat swabs are to be sent in universal transport medium (as for respiratory viruses)

Minimum volume

N/A

Frequency of test

Daily

Turnaround time

One day for PCR

8 days (negative cultures)

What to request on EPR

Bordetella pertussis PCR: Bordetella pertussis MCS, perinasal swab

Last reviewed:10 February 2023

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