Biochemical Identification

Biochemical identification of Bordetella pertussis.

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pure culture.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type or are not accompanied by relevant patient information.

N/A

Send as growth on culture medium (preferred) or on a swab in transport medium. Cultures can be also be shipped frozen on dry ice. Due to special media requirements, please contact the laboratory 3 days prior to sending specimens.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Suspected of infection caused by B. pertussis.

Completed Vaccine Preventable Bacterial Diseases requisition form including sender lab name, address and telephone number. Patient identifier (specimen reference #), date of birth and sex. Type of specimen, date collected and test requested. Vaccine history (if known).

N/A

See reference below.

20 calendar days.

1. Manual of Clinical Microbiology 9th edition. Edited by P. R. Murray, E. J. Baron, J. H. Jorgensen, M. L. Landry and M. A. Pfaller.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Bordetella pertussis

For Health Professionals: Pertussis (whooping cough)

National case definition: Pertussis

Pertussis (whooping cough)