B pertussis / B parapertussis / B. pertussis / B. parapertussis
Methodology:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Edit Date:
10/4/2010
Performed:
Daily
Released:
Same day as tested
CPT Code:
87801
Specimen Collection Details
Collection:
One nasopharyngeal (not throat) specimen collected on a rayon or Dacron (polyester) swab. Place swab in M4RT/M4 transport medium. Also acceptable: Nasopharyngeal (not throat) aspirate can be collected and transported in a sterile, screw-capped container within 24 hours of collection. Refrigerate. NOTE: Source of specimen is required.
Stability:
Specimen in M4RT or M4 transport medium stable 4 hours ambient, 48 hours refrigerated, or 14 days frozen.
Transport:
Refrigerated if received at PeaceHealth Laboratories’ testing laboratory within 48 hours, or frozen for delayed transport.
Comments:
A negative result does not rule out the presence of B. pertussis or B. parapertussis DNA in concentrations below the level of detection of the assay. A false positive for B. pertussis may occur in specimens containing B. holmessi DNA.
Rejection Criteria:
Calcium-alginate swab (shown to inhibit PCR); specimen other than nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate; specimen received in Regan-Lowe medium; improper collection and transport of specimen.