Detection of Bordetella pertussis (Whooping cough) or Bordetella parapertussis (Whooping cough-like syndrome) in patients exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness.  Early and accurate diagnosis improves patient outcome.

This assay is not recommended for screening asymptomatic individuals for Bordetella pertussis or parapertussis.

Universal viral transport media (UTM)

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab collection:

1. Tip the patient’s head back.
2. Gently insert the NP swab into the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encountered or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient, indicating contact with the nasopharynx.   
   1. If any resistance is met in the passageways, do not force the swab; back off and try reinserting it at a different angle, closer to the floor of the nasal canal, or try the other nostril.
3. Gently rub and roll the swab for 10-15 seconds while the swab is in contact with the nasopharyngeal wall.
4. The CDC recommends leaving the swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions.
5. Slowly remove the swab and place in the transport medium.
6. Break the swab shaft so that it fits into the medium container and recap tightly.
7. Label the specimen appropriately. Document the source “NP” on the label.

New England Journal of Medicine video on NP swab collection: Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection Video

Universal viral transport media (UTM)

Molecular Medicare billing request

Hospital clients submitting a request for this assay on an outpatient with Medicare should complete and submit a Molecular Medicare billing request form to notify us of the need for Allina Health Laboratory to bill insurance.

Ambient (preferred) - 5 days

Refrigerated - 7 days

Frozen - NO

• Tubes received without a swab
• Calcium alginate swabs
• Swabs in noncharcoal-containing transport media
• Swabs in Regan-Lowe culture media

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Negative