Pertussis
Also known as: Whooping cough tests
Formal name: Bordetella pertussis Culture; Bordetella pertussis by PCR; Bordetella pertussis by DFA; Bordetella pertussis Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM)
Related tests: RSV; Influenza tests
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To detect and diagnose a Bordetella pertussis infection
When to Get Tested?
When you have persistent, sharp spasms or fits of coughing (paroxysms) that the doctor suspects is due to pertussis (whooping cough); when you have symptoms of a cold and have been exposed to someone with pertussis
Sample Required?
A nasopharyngeal (NP) swab or a nasal aspirate; occasionally, a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
Test Preparation Needed?
None
