PERTUSSIS TESTING AT

OFFICE OF LABORATORY SERVICES (OLS)

Presented By:Christi Clark, M(ASCP)CM

Microbiology Supervisor

christi.d.clark@wv.gov

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 http://www.iata.org/NR/rdonlyres/A310159E-B45F-4F6D-852D-79BF9EB57BA6/0/

DGR50_PI650_EN.pdf

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: www.whiteflash.com

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. 2007 to Nov. 10, 2009

(Provisional)

Pertussis Testing by PCR at OLS, Sept. 2007 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 Supervisorchristi.d.clark@wv.govPhone extension 2602

www.wvdhhr.org/labservices

167 11th AvenueSouth Charleston, WV 25303PHONE | 304.558.3530FAX | 304.558.6210