whooping_cough_tests
Reviewed
Also called: pertussis test, bordetella pertussis culture, PCR, antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM)
Whooping cough tests help diagnose pertussis, a serious bacterial respiratory infection. Testing is recommended if you or your child has been exposed or has symptoms such as runny nose, mild fever, mild cough, or severe coughing fits followed by a 'whoop' sound. Early diagnosis can reduce symptom severity and prevent spread.
Specimen: fluid and cells from the back of the nose (nasopharyngeal swab or nasal aspirate/wash); also blood for antibody tests
Why this test may be ordered
- exposure to someone with whooping cough
- symptoms of whooping cough (runny nose, mild fever, mild cough, apnea in babies, severe coughing fits with 'whoop', vomiting after coughing, tiredness after coughing fits)
Preparation and collection
No special preparation needed. Inform your provider if you have taken antibiotics in the days before the test, as this may affect results.
For bacteria culture or PCR: a nasopharyngeal swab (long swab inserted into nostril to the upper throat, rotated for 10–15 seconds) or a nasal aspirate/wash (saline solution squirted into nose then removed with gentle suction). For blood antibody test: a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm.
There is very little risk. A nasal aspirate or wash may feel uncomfortable. A nasopharyngeal swab may tickle, feel uncomfortable, or cause coughing or gagging. For a blood test, slight pain or bruising at the needle site may occur, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Your healthcare provider will interpret your test results along with your symptoms, medical history, and potential exposures. The following result patterns are based on the supplied source.
- Positive (bacteria culture): Whooping cough bacteria were found. You have whooping cough. Limitation: Accuracy is highest when sample is taken within the first two weeks after coughing begins. Antibiotics taken before the test may affect accuracy. Next step: Prompt
- Negative (bacteria culture): No whooping cough bacteria were found. You may not have whooping cough, but a negative result does not rule it out. Limitation: If the sample was taken too late or if antibiotics were taken before the test, results may not be accurate. Next step: Routine
- Positive (PCR): Genetic material from whooping cough bacteria was found. You probably have whooping cough. Limitation: The PCR test may have found material from other related bacteria and mistaken it for whooping cough bacteria. Next step: Prompt
- Negative (PCR): No genetic material from whooping cough bacteria was found. You probably do not have whooping cough, but a negative result does not rule it out. Limitation: The sample may not have had enough bacteria for the test to be accurate. Next step: Routine
- Bacteria culture test is most accurate when done within the first two weeks after coughing begins; results may take up to a week.
- PCR test is most accurate when done within the first three weeks after coughing begins; results may be ready in as soon as two hours.
- Antibiotics taken before the test may affect results.
- Blood testing for whooping cough antibodies is not recommended for diagnosing a current infection; if vaccinated, certain antibodies will appear in results.
What to do next
If you have questions about your test results or treatment, talk with your provider. Whooping cough is treated with antibiotic medicine, which can make the infection less serious if started before the cough becomes severe and may help prevent spreading the disease to others.
- What do my test results mean for my health?
- Do I need treatment for whooping cough?
- How can I prevent spreading whooping cough to others?
- When should I or my child return for follow-up care?