Bordetella pertussis

Instructions:

1. Follow the nasopharyngeal specimen collection instructions.
2. Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
3. Complete all fields of the PHO General Test Requisition. Include: patient information (full name, date of birth, Health Card Number [must match the specimen label] and setting), specimen information (date collected and source), enter ‘Bordetella pertussis PCR’ under test(s) requested, symptom information and onset date, physician name and address, and clinical diagnosis.
4. Place specimen in a biohazard bag and seal the bag.
5. Insert the completed requisition in the pocket on the outside of the sealed biohazard bag.
6. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHO on ice packs. Maximum storage/transit time at 2-8°C is within 5 days of collection.
7. For further information about Bordetella pertussis specimen collection and testing, refer to the Test Directory Index.

Storage of unused kits:

The kits can be stored at room temperature with stated expiry date - DO NOT USE EXPIRED KITS.