PERTUSSIS TESTING AT OFFICE OF LABORATORY SERVICES OLS

PERTUSSIS TESTING AT OFFICE OF LABORATORY SERVICES (OLS) Presented By: Christi Clark, M(ASCP)CM Microbiology Supervisor christi. d. clark@wv. gov

OBJECTIVES At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: Know the proper collection method for NP swabs for Pertussis testing at OLS. Know the correct way to package and ship a specimen to OLS for testing. Understand discuss Pertussis testing methods at OLS.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION OLS will only accept NP swab samples for Pertussis testing. Swabs must be composed of: Dacron Rayon Polyester fiber OLS will not accept swabs composed of: Cotton Calcium alginate

SPECIMEN COLLECTION (cont. ) Swabs must be transported in Regan Lowe is a semi-solid, dark gray medium. OLS will not accept samples for Pertussis testing transported in: Stuarts Amies Saline Collection kits available. See website for request form.

PACKAGING Boxes provided with OLS collection kits. Specimens should be transported as Category B Infectious Substances. Requirements detailed in IATA Package Instruction 650 http: //www. iata. org/NR/rdonlyres/A 310159 E-B 45 F-4 F 6 D-852 D-79 BF 9 EB 57 BA 6/0/DGR 50_PI 650_EN. pdf

SHIPPING Specimens should be shipped to OLS as soon after collection as possible. OLS recommends using UPS or Fed. Ex for tracking. Keep specimens refrigerated if unable to ship immediately. Photo Courtesy: www. whiteflash. com

TESTING Gold standard continues to be culture. Culture for Pertussis VERY difficult. Final results take up to 7 days. PCR available for DNA detection. Does not indicate active infection.

Pertussis Testing by Culture at OLS, Sept. 2007 to Nov. 10, 2009 (Provisional)

Pertussis Testing by PCR at OLS, Sept. 2007 to Nov. 10, 2009 (Provisional) 35 30 Positive Total Received 25 20 15 10 23 17 5 13 0 2007 2008 2009

Pertussis Results by Culture & PCR, 2007* and 2008, OLS * September to December

Pertussis Results by Culture & PCR, 1/1/09 to 11/10/09 (Provisional), OLS (N=23)

CONTACT INFORMATION Christi Clark, M(ASCP)CM Microbiology Supervisor christi. d. clark@wv. gov Phone extension 2602 www. wvdhhr. org/labservices 167 11 th Avenue South Charleston, WV 25303 PHONE | 304. 558. 3530 FAX | 304. 558. 6210