HSL update: Bordetella pertussis PCR testing

From Monday 1^st July 2024, Health Services Laboratories (HSL) will offer Bordetella pertussis PCR testing on site at the Halo laboratory, using the RealAccurate Quadruplex Bordetella PCR kit by Pathofinder.

Up until now, we have referred all Bordetella pertussis PCR test requests to an external laboratory, with a 5–7 day turnaround time to result. The implementation of an on-site test will reduce the turnaround time to 2-3 days, aiding public health management of positive Bordetella pertussis cases.

Important information:

• The in-house test can only be tested on dry swabs.
  • Samples received in viral transport medium or universal transport medium will continue to be referred to external laboratory for testing; these samples will not benefit from the improved turnaround time.

• In addition to Bordetella pertussis, the on-site test also detects Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella holmesii.
  • You will receive a report containing a result for each of the 3 species, plus an interpretative comment.
  • These non-pertussis species of Bordetella can cause very similar symptoms to Bordetella pertussis, including a whooping cough-like picture, and can cause clusters of infection.
  • Unlike Bordetella pertussis, these non-pertussis species are not notifiable diseases but it is advised that positive results are communicated to your local Health Protection Team if the patient is part of a cluster of infections.

• The test has been fully validated by the manufacturer and verified by HSL.

For accreditation purposes, positive samples will be sent to the UKHSA reference laboratory for comparative testing for the first few weeks post-implementation.

Click here for Bordetella pertussis Diagnostic Testing information leaflet for general information on tests and sample collection.