Diagnostic Test Recommendations for Pertussis

1. Isolation of Bordatella pertussis and PCR testing¹:



1. Collect a nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate using a Pertussis kit.
2. Ideally, specimens should be collected during the catarrhal stage ? the first two weeks of cough.
3. These kits are available in packs of six and can be ordered from your local Public Health Laboratory. These swabs contain clear medium.
4. If ordering the kits from the Toronto Public Health Laboratory, please call the order desk at 416-235-5937, or fax to 416-235-5753.
5. Once the specimen has been collected, the swab is inserted into the clear medium. Cut excess wire with sterile scissors and cap vial tightly.
6. Ensure that the lab requisition indicates that this is a nasopharyngeal swab or aspirate and that you are requesting pertussis testing. Mark the symptoms, date of onset of cough, exposure history, vaccination history and outbreak number on the requisition.
7. Store specimens in the refrigerator until sent to the laboratory. Specimens must be stored and shipped cold.

Results will be available in several days.

When the Bordetella DNA is detected at low levels, the results will need to be interpreted in the context of the presenting clinical illness². PCR positive laboratory results in an asymptomatic person will not be considered confirmatory.

Please ensure that your local public health unit is aware of all individuals who are being tested for pertussis.

1. Public Health Laboratories. Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion.
   Specimen Collection Guide, March 2009.
2. Public Health Laboratories. Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion.
   Labstract, December 2008.

May 1, 2009

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