Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis
Clinical Specimen Submission Guidance
Submit all specimens to 150 Richmond Street, Suite 100, Providence, RI 02903. Open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Learn how and where to drop off your lab samples at our Laboratory Central Services webpage.
Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory 401-222-5538
Bordetella pertussis & Bordetella parapertussis
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
The DiaSorin Molecular Simplexa Bordetella Direct Assay is an in vitro FDA-cleared diagnostic test intended for use on the LIAISON MDX instrument for the qualitative detection and differentiation of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) specimens. The Simplexa Bordetella Direct Assay utilizes real-time PCR amplification to detect B. pertussis by targeting the IS481 insertional element and by targeting the IS1001 insertional element to detect B. parapertussis. However, IS481 may also be present in Bordetella holmesii. Please alert the laboratory if additional testing should be performed to differentiate between B. holmesii and B. pertussis.
The performance characteristics of this assay were verified by the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL).
Negative results for the Simplexa Bordetella Direct Assay do not preclude Bordetella infection and positive results do not rule out co-infection with other respiratory pathogens. Results should be used in conjunction with the patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and other clinical/laboratory findings to determine an overall clinical diagnosis.
Specimens: Nasopharyngeal specimen, right and left sides, collected on polyester or rayon tipped swabs (refer to specimen collection instructions https://health.ri.gov/publications/instructions/CollectionKitForPertussisAndParapertussisPCR.pdf). Cotton tipped and calcium alginate swabs are unacceptable
Submit specimens in 3mL Universal Transport Medium (UTM). Both swabs are to be submitted in one tube.
Store specimens refrigerated at 2-8°C prior to transport. If transport is delayed beyond 7 days after collection, store the specimen frozen at ≤-20° C.
Isolates: Submit freshly growing pure isolates on Regan-Lowe or Bordet Gengou agar plate. Seal plates with parafilm or other barrier film.
CLIA regulations require specimens be labeled with at least two patient identifiers. Examples of identifiers are first and last name, date of birth, chart/medical record number. The specimen container must be labeled to match the test requisition or the electronic order.
Rhode Island State Health Laboratories (RISHL) test requisition form https://health.ri.gov/forms/LabRequisitionForm.pdf
Specimens: Bordetella PCR
Bacterial Isolate: Write "confirm B. pertussis" in Comments/Other Test Requests.
Refrigerate prior to transport at 2-8⁰C.
Refrigerated: Transport and deliver to the laboratory within 72 hours of collection at 2-8°C in a cooler able to maintain specimen temperature. A plug-in electric cooler is recommended, however, a cooler packed with excess frozen gel packs is acceptable as long as the transport temperature is maintained at 2-8°C.
Frozen: If specimen previously frozen, it must be transported on frozen gel packs in insulated shipper.
Bacterial Isolate: transport isolate at refrigerated temperature 2-8°C as soon as possible after isolation of suspect colonies.
Specimens must be packaged & transported in accordance with current federal shipping regulations.
Only nasopharyngeal specimens are accepted. Specimens must be received within 3 days from collection. Do not use Universal Transport Media past the expiration date.
If specimens are received outside of the required transport temperature range, they will not be tested, and a rejection report will be issued.
The following rejection criteria will be used to ensure accurate specimen information and specimen condition for testing:
- Specimen received outside acceptable transport range
- Demographics different / Unable to read identifiers on specimen
- Two identifiers required on specimen
- Expired / Incorrect collection kit
- Insufficient quantity
- No specimen received
- Specimen leaked in transit
- Specimen too old
Negative for Bordetella pertussis.
Negative for Bordetella parapertussis
Providers must report patient information on Pertussis within 4 days using the RIDOH reportable disease form.
PCR: 1 business day.
Kits containing detailed collection instructions, transport media, and nasopharyngeal swabs are available from the RISHL Center for Laboratory Support Services and may be obtained Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. Media must be stored at 2° to 25° C until use. Discard media when expiration date is reached.
Containers specifically labeled for transport of specimens and isolates to the RISHL Special Pathogens & Biothreats Laboratory are available in all Microbiology Laboratories and Laboratory Send-out Departments.