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Bordetella pertussis PCR

Includes:
Bordetella parapertussis PCR

eBlue Swab

eSwab Blue

Test ID LAB923
EPIC Order
 Bordetella Pertussis/Parapertussis PCR
CPT Code(s) 87798 x2
Group/Individual Test Group
Laboratory Molecular Microbiology; 984-974-1820
Tube Station 82
Specimen Routine:

eSwab Blue, (Lawson 143675) See Important Comments
Nasopharyngeal swab collection directions. No wooden shafts, cotton, or calcium alginate swabs.
Availability: Monday - Friday
STAT: NA
Turnaround Time 1-3 days
Reference Range Normal: Negative
Comments
  • This test may be ordered only on symptomatic patients. This test is not appropriate for surveillance testing and will not be performed on asymptomatic individuals. In patients with low pre-test probability, the likelihood of a false-positive result is much greater than a true positive.
  • PCR has optimal sensitivity during the first 3 weeks of cough when bacterial DNA is still present in the nasopharynx. After the fourth week of cough, the amount of bacterial DNA rapidly diminishes which increases the risk of obtaining falsely-negative results.
  • PCR testing following antibiotic therapy also can result in falsely-negative findings. The exact duration of positivity following antibiotic use is not well understood, but PCR testing after 5 days of antibiotic use is unlikely to be of benefit and is generally not recommended.
  • Locations outside of UNC Healthcare should store specimens at 2-8˚ C and transport to the laboratory on cold packs.

Reviewed by J. Carr on November 21, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514