Bordetella pertussis (Whooping cough), Nasopharyngeal Culture

Bordetella pertussis (Whooping cough), Nasopharyngeal Culture
DataValue
Method Culture
CPT Code 87070, 87077
Preferred Specimen Nasopharyngeal swab
(Calcium Alginate or Dacron swab)
Other Acceptable Specimens Sputum or Bronchial Aspirate
Specimen Container Flexible calcium alginate swab (Calgiswab®) and special charcoal-containing Bordetella transport media (available from the laboratory)
Specimen Identification Label transport tube with patient’s first and last name, DOB and date/time of collection.
Special Instructions

Collection (one swab):

  • Guide the flexible swab into the contour of the Nares and into the nasopharynx. Leave swab in
  • Place for 30 seconds while rotating swab.
  • Remove swab.
  • Place swab in Regan-Lowe holding media (available from laboratory) and transport within 48 hours.
  • Store and ship at room temperature.
  • DO NOT REFRIGERATE
Shipping Requirements
  • If delay > 24 hours incubate at 35 C for 2 days then ship at room temperature.
  • If delay > 3 days incubate at 35° C for 2 days then ship at 4° C.
  • Transport to lab as soon as possible.
Sample Rejection Criteria
  • Cough plates or throat swabs are unacceptable
  • Specimens collected on rayon or cotton swabs may be toxic to Bordetella pertussis
  • Mislabeled specimens
  • Unlabeled specimens
Turn-around-time 9-11 days