(eSwab or cup without preservatives)
Nasophayrngeal Swab Or Sputum
0.5 mL
Time to Lab
Transport to the lab as quickly as possible for testing.
Storage/Transport
Refrigerate 2- 8 degree Celcius immediately after collection and transport on ice packs.
Stability
Bordetella DNA in VTM/UTM is typically stable for 24-72 hours when refrigerated. Follow specific lab instructions if delayed transport is expected.
Calcium-alginate swabs.
Frozen
Mon-Sat
A day after collection
qPCR
Molecular
RML
Bordetella pertussis and parapertussis
Bordetella Pertussis, parapertussis Molecular Detection
Whooping Cough
Test
Sample Timing
Bordetellaload drops significantly after 3-4 weeks of cough onset. PCR may be negative, leading to a false-negative result.
Antibiotics
Prior antibiotic use (even a single dose) can rapidly clear the organism, leading to a false-negative result.
Antibiotics
Prior antibiotic use (even a single dose) can rapidly clear the organism, leading to a false-negative result.
Inadequate Sample
Failure to reach the nasopharynx (only swabbing the anterior nose) results in a false-negative due to insufficient bacterial DNA.
Preparation: Ask the patient to blow their nose gently to clear excess mucus.
Swab Insertion: Tilt the patient’s head back 70 degrees. Gently insert the flexible swab along the floor of the nasal passage until resistance is met (the nasopharynx).
Collection: Gently but firmly rotate the swab 5 to 10 times against the nasopharyngeal wall for 5 to 10 seconds to collect epithelial cells.
Transfer: Quickly withdraw the swab and immediately place it into the VTM/UTM tube.
Secure: Break the swab shaft at the score line and secure the cap tightly.
Label: Label the tube clearly with the patient’s full name, DOB, date, and exact time of collection.
87798
90441-7
