Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. holmesii

Brief Description

This RT-PCR multiplex assay is intended for the qualitative detection of Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. holmesii in DNA extracted from clinical specimens or culture isolates. This assay may be used along with culture, other diagnostic assays, and clinical observations of signs or symptoms to determine infection in clinical specimens.

Laboratory Unit

Molecular Biology

Methodology

RT-PCR

Specimen Collection

  • Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab: (Culture and PCR)
    • Submit Dacron swabs with aluminum shafts from a dry sterile container placed immediately into in a Regan-Lowe semi-solid agar or Amies charcoal gel transport tube.
  • Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab: (PCR only)
    • Submit Dacron swabs with aluminum shafts from a dry sterile container placed immediately into a dry, sterile tube or in a tube of liquid universal transport medium (UTM).
  • Nasopharyngeal aspirates:
    • Collect a minimum of 500µL in a sterile leak-proof plastic container of physiological saline.
  • Culture isolates:
    • Submit a plate or slant exhibiting colony morphology and biochemical testing consistent with Bordetella spp. on Regan-Lowe solid agar, Bordet Gengou solid agar, 5% sheep blood solid agar, Regan-Lowe semi-solid agar transport, or Amies charcoal gel transport.

Storage/Transport

Consultation with district epidemiologist required prior to submission.

  • Nasopharyngeal swab (Culture and PCR) can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) within 30 minutes of collection and during transit for no more than 24-72 hours after collection.
  • Nasopharyngeal swab (PCR only) should be stored frozen (-20°C or colder) within 30 minutes of collection and shipped with dry ice.  
  • Nasopharyngeal aspirates can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) within 30 minutes of collection and during transit for no more than 72 hours after collection.  Nasopharyngeal aspirates can also be stored frozen (-20°C or colder) within 30 minutes of collection and shipped with dry ice.  
  • Cultures can be maintained at ambient temperature (15-30°C) or refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit for no more than 24-48 hours after growth is present.
  • Download this pdf file. FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

  • Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
  • Nasopharyngeal aspirates
  • Culture isolates

Test Request

NOTE: A separate submission form is required for each specimen submitted for testing.

Possible Results

  • Detected
  • Not Detected
  • Unsatisfactory
  • Inconclusive

Reference Range

Not detected

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Missing testing requisition
  • Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
  • Improper labeling
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen
  • No specimen received (empty collection tube)/no growth on media plates or slants submitted for isolate testing
  • Wrong specimen type
  • Low volume (< 500 µL)
  • Cotton swabs

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

1-3 business days

Turnaround times may be affected by the scale of the event.

Fees

No charge

LOINC/Order Codes

23826-1 (Order code: 414000)