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Bordetella pertussis (Pertussis, whooping cough) PCR

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$90 | CPT Code: 87798 | Molecular lab

Methodology

Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

Acceptable specimen(s)

  • Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab or nasal aspirate are preferred. Clinical material and DNA extract is also acceptable.
  • Transport specimens in universal transport media (UTM), viral transport media (VTM), or saline.

Specimen labeling

A minimum of two of the following are required on the specimen label:

  • Patient first and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Medical record number (MRN) or patient identification (ID)

The following information is optional, but highly preferred:

  • Collection date
  • The chain of custody number, if ordered through LabOnline

The lab will not process samples without appropriate identifiers on the label. Be sure the information on the label matches what is listed on the test order.

Specimen stability

  • Swabs, nasal aspirate
  • 2-8° C: 72 hours
  • ≤ -20° C: indefinitely

Turnaround time

Three (3) business days.

Results will be available in LabOnline. 

Rejection criteria

  • Incomplete or missing test order
  • Incomplete specimen labeling
  • Specimen collected in expired collection kits
  • Hemolysis
  • Lipemia
  • Received out of hold time
  • Received out of temperature

Ordering in LabOnline

  • Profile: Clinical PCR Testing, Molecular
  • Testing type: Bordetella spp. PCR
  • Matrix: Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, nasal wash

Completing a paper test requisition form

Complete the patient and sample information sections found at the top of the CDPHE paper test requisition form. 

The following information is required for testing:

  • First and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Sex
  • Source
  • Collect date
  • Collect time

Complete the comments/history section if the information is available and/or applicable to the sample.

A test selection is required. 

  1. Find the Clinical PCR Testing, Molecular section of the form.
  2. Check the box next to “Bordetella spp. PCR.”
  3. Circle the collected specimen type under the test name.

Include the test order form in the outside pocket of the biohazard bag that the sample is in. Be sure the information on the specimen tube label exactly matches the information on the test requisition form. The sample is unsatisfactory if required information is missing from the test requisition form or if there is mismatching information between the specimen label and test requisition form. Ordering in LabOnline is preferred to reduce data entry errors and for faster sample processing.

If you need an updated test requisition form or do not see this testing option, email the lab coordinators.

Supplemental information

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requires reporting of all suspected or confirmed cases of pertussis by physicians, health care providers, and laboratories within one (1) business day. Call 303-692-2700 or 303-370-9395 (after hours) to report suspect or confirmed pertussis cases.

Pertussis is also known as whooping cough.

Contact information