Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis Culture

Supply #S10 Blue Top, Mini Tip, e-Swab

Test Code: 5260

CPT Code(s): 87081

Includes: If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87147 or 87149 or 87143 or 87140).

Methodology: Culture

Clinical Significance: Bordetella pertussis is the cause of whooping cough. Bordetella parapertussis is a related organism and causes a similar but milder disease.

Alternative Name(s): Whooping Cough

Collection Guide

Supply: S10 Blue Top, Mini Tip, e-Swab

Preferred Specimen: Nasopharyngeal swab - Collected in eSwab Mini-Top transport system (blue cap)

Preferred Volume: 1 Blue Top, Mini Tip, e-Swab

Transport Container: Blue Top, Mini Tip, e-Swab

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated

Specimen Stability: Refrigerated: 4 Days

Rejection Criteria:

  • Anterior nasal/nares
  • Dry Swab
  • Amies Bacterial Culture Swab
  • Amies with Charcoal Bacterial Culture Swab

Special Instructions: Mini-tip swabs must be used for nasopharyngeal specimens and placed in eSwab medium. Do not use rayon or cotton-tipped swabs, since they may be toxic to Bordetella.

For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.

The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the Payor being billed.

Additional names
Whooping Cough
CPT Code(s)
87081
Test Code
5260