Sorted By Test Name - Mayo Medical Laboratories

BPRP
80910
FBPTS
57290
An interpretive report will be provided.
Clinical References: Kass L: Procedures for performing aspiration and biopsy of bone marrow. In
Bone Marrow Interpretation. 2nd edition. Philadelphia, JB Lippincott, 1979
Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis, Molecular
Detection, PCR
Clinical Information: Pertussis is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis
bacterium. Pertussis afflicts unvaccinated individuals, and those in whom immunity has waned. Infants
are at particular risk for severe disease and complications. Adults present with a prolonged chronic cough
illness. Bordetella parapertussis may cause a similar illness, especially in children; however, the
symptoms are less severe and of shorter duration than those associated with Bordetella pertussis. The
wide prevalence of pertussis and its changing epidemiology highlight the need for sensitive and rapid
methods for diagnostic testing. Clinical diagnosis of pertussis is complicated because the characteristic
cough (whoop) is rarely seen in infant and adult patients. Several diagnostic methods are available, but
many lack sensitivity and/or require repeat testing or extended incubation times for test results. The
reference method has traditionally been direct culture of the organism from nasopharyngeal secretions.
However, due to the fastidious nature of the organism, recovery by culture is difficult, as the organism is
susceptible to environmental exposure (change in temperature and drying) and has specific growth
requirements. Direct fluorescent antibody testing of material collected by a nasopharyngeal swab lacks
sensitivity.(1) PCR is the Mayo-recommended test for detection of Bordetella pertussis and parapertussis
in patients suspected of having active, untreated pertussis. PCR is preferred over culture because it is
faster and demonstrates improved sensitivity Additional information regarding pertussis PCR testing has
been published by the CDC and can be found at URL:
http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-pcr-bestpractices.html
Useful For: Preferred diagnostic test for the detection of Bordetella pertussis and/or Bordetella
parapertussis
Interpretation: A positive result indicates the presence of DNA from Bordetella pertussis or
Bordetella parapertussis. In some cases, a patient may test positive for both Bordetella pertussis and
Bordetella parapertussis. Cross-reactivity with Bordetella holmesii and Bordetella bronchiseptica may
occur with the Bordetella pertussis assay (see Cautions). A negative result indicates the absence of
detectable Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis DNA in the specimen but does not negate the
presence of organism or active or recent disease (known inhibition rate of