Ordering Recommendation
CDC-recommended test for the diagnosis of pertussis. Consider concurrent testing with Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis by PCR (0065080).
Mnemonic
Methodology
Culture/Identification
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-8 days
Negative culture reported at 8 days. Positive culture reported as soon as detected.
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Nasal aspirate or washing or nasopharyngeal swab.
Aspirate or Washing: Transfer to a sterile container.(Min: 0.5 mL). Nasopharyngeal Swab: Place swab in Regan-Lowe transport media and incubate for 24-48 hours at 35°C (ARUP supply# 24962). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. Also acceptable: Swab in Jones Kendrick media or Amies with charcoal media, or swabs in described media sent directly without incubation.
Room temperature or refrigerated.
Sputum, Eswabs or medias other than listed above.
Specimen source preferred.
Incubated Regan-Lowe: Ambient: 4 days; Refrigerated: 4 days; Frozen: Unacceptable
Unincubated Regan-Lowe, Amie with charcoal swab, Aspirate or Washing: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval
Culture negative for Bordetella pertussis.
Interpretive Data
Standard
Note
Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis detection by PCR also available (0065080).
Hotline History
CPT Codes
87081; Identification CPT codes may vary based on method
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0060117 | Culture, Bordetella pertussis | 549-6 |
Aliases
- B. pertussis culture
- culture, B. pertussis
- Culture, Bordetella pertussis
- Pertussis Culture
- Whooping Cough Culture