whooping_cough_tests
Reviewed
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.
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.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- 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.