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Test Code: BpPCR Preferred Name NPA for pertussis

No
24 hrs
Daily M-F
24-48 hrs
Medicare Item
N/A

Test Tubes

ImageSpecimen TypeSpecimen VolumeTube Type
Nasopharyngeal Aspirate> 1mLSputum trap
Nasopharyngeal SwabNasopharyngeal Swab (flocked)
ETT>1 mLEndotrachial Tube Aspirate

COLLECTION NOTES

1. PCR cannot be performed on swabs collected in bacterial transport media as this is inhibitory to the amplification enzyme involved in the PCR test.

2. Either collect a nasopharyngeal aspirate or a nasopharyngeal swab using a viral transport swab or a dry swab only or a dry swab in VTM (viral transport medium).

GENERAL NOTES



PERTUSSIS-LIKE SYMPTOMS <3 WEEKS
Collect a Nasopharngeal Aspirate and send for Pertussis PCR

PCR testing is performed Monday-Saturday. Samples received before 11 am will be tested on the same day, if received after 11am samples will be tested on the next testing day. If PCR testing is required urgently out-of-hours, please contact the microbiology laboratory on 3163-8168.


PERTUSSIS-LIKE SYMPTOMS >=3 WEEKS
Collect serum and request Pertussis IgA Serology
IgA antibodies are produced mainly in infection rather than vaccination while IgG is produced in both.
IgA response after infection is less common (20-50%) than IgG (>90%).
IgA antibodies persist for 1 year (and as long as 2 years) after infection.
IgA response in children under 2 is less reliable than IgG.


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