PERTUSSIS TESTING AT OFFICE OF LABORATORY SERVICES (OLS) Presented By: Christi Clark, M(ASCP) CM Microbiology Supervisor

OBJECTIVES At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:  Know the proper collection method for NP swabs for Pertussis testing at OLS.  Know the correct way to package and ship a specimen to OLS for testing.  Understand and discuss Pertussis testing methods at OLS.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION  OLS will only accept NP swab samples for Pertussis testing.  Swabs must be composed of:  Dacron  Rayon  Polyester fiber  OLS will not accept swabs composed of:  Cotton  Calcium alginate

SPECIMEN COLLECTION (cont.)  Swabs must be transported in Regan Lowe.  Regan Lowe is a semi-solid, dark gray medium.  OLS will not accept samples for Pertussis testing transported in:  Stuarts  Amies  Saline  Collection kits available.  See website for request form.

PACKAGING  Boxes provided with OLS collection kits.  Specimens should be transported as Category B Infectious Substances.  Requirements detailed in IATA Package Instruction 650 

SHIPPING  Specimens should be shipped to OLS as soon after collection as possible.  OLS recommends using UPS or FedEx for tracking.  Keep specimens refrigerated if unable to ship immediately. Photo Courtesy:

TESTING  Gold standard continues to be culture.  Culture for Pertussis VERY difficult.  Final results take up to 7 days.  PCR available for DNA detection.  Does not indicate active infection.

Pertussis Testing by Culture at OLS, Sept to Nov. 10, 2009 (Provisional)

Pertussis Testing by PCR at OLS, Sept to Nov. 10, 2009 (Provisional)

Pertussis Results by Culture & PCR, 2007* and 2008, OLS * September to December

Pertussis Results by Culture & PCR, 1/1/09 to 11/10/09 (Provisional), OLS (N=23)

CONTACT INFORMATION Christi Clark, M(ASCP) CM Microbiology Supervisor Phone extension th Avenue South Charleston, WV PHONE | FAX |