Bordetella pertussis PCR and Bordetella culture

PCR and/or culture are performed on all specimens which meet specific testing criteria.

PCR is performed same day the specimen is received which allows the MSPHL to notify submitters of a preliminary result for Bordetella examination.

Culture is performed to determine Bordetella species and could take up to ten days for identification.

Microbiology & Molecular 

Real time PCR and culture for Bordetella species.

Specimen kits can be ordered from the MSPHL. Kits consist of Regan-Lowe transport, saline transport, Styrofoam insulated box, 2 Dacron NP swabs, instructions, and cold pack(s). Specimen submission forms can be printed from this website.

Specimens must be received within 5 days or less from day collected.  Specimens must be shipped with a cold pack.  Be sure to completely close the specimen vials prior to shipment to ensure contents do not leak in transit. 

Temperature of specimen will be measured upon receipt and if temperature is outside the acceptable temperature range, the specimen will be considered unsatisfactory for testing and will not be tested per CLIA guidelines.

Acceptable specimens for testing include Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and NP aspirates. When properly collected, the specimen should sample the ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. Throat, bronchial, and sputum specimens are unacceptable for testing and will be considered unsatisfactory for PCR and culture.

Microbiology Test Request Form

Identification to the genus and species level if positive for PCR and/or culture.

The following conditions are considered unsatisfactory for testing (list not all inclusive):
Specimen is not labeled with two patient’s identifiers such as name and date of birth
Specimens more than 5 days in transit
Specimens received outside of acceptable temperature range
Specimens sent in expired media (also if expired during transport)
Specimen sent with cotton or large swabs
Throat, bronchial, and sputum specimens

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Acceptable PCR specimen types will have PCR performed that day or the next day depending on time of specimen receipt.  Acceptable culture specimens are held and examined for growth up to 10 days.

As provided in 19 CSR 25-38.010, submitters may be charged a handling charge of $10.00 per sample submitted for testing.

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