Whooping cough PCR
pertussis test · whooping cough swab · Bordetella pertussis PCR · test for long-lasting cough
This is a swab from the nose and throat that looks for the whooping cough germ.
For a long cough that comes in fits, especially in children, and after contact with someone who has whooping cough.
⏱ Duration: the swab itself takes about a minute; results usually come in 1 to 3 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Do not eat or drink for 2 to 3 hours before the swab. Children are usually asked to do the same. Check with the lab.
- Nose and throat. In the morning, do not gargle or use nose drops, unless the doctor said otherwise.
- Antibiotics. It is better to do the test before starting antibiotics. If you already take them, do not stop on your own. Tell your doctor.
- Your child. Tell your child a stick will touch the inside of the nose. It is quick. Hold them on your lap.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Your ID
- Your vaccination certificate
How it goes
- The child sits on a parent's lap, and their head is held gently
- A thin soft swab goes into the nose to the back wall
- The swab is turned for a few seconds and taken out
- Sometimes a second swab is taken from the throat
- The swab is put in a tube and sent to the lab
What you'll feel
- Unpleasant and tickly in the nose. You may want to sneeze
- Your eyes may water. That is normal
- A child may cry, but it all takes a few seconds
Afterwards
- You can eat and drink right away
- Until the result comes, try to stay away from babies and pregnant women
- Only a doctor prescribes antibiotics
Contact a doctor straight away if
- The child stops breathing or turns blue during coughing: call emergency services
- A baby eats poorly, is floppy, or vomits with the cough: see a doctor urgently
- High fever and shortness of breath: see a doctor the same day
Common questions
When is the best time for a whooping cough PCR?
The sooner the better, usually in the first weeks of the cough and before antibiotics. Later on, a blood test works better.
Can you get whooping cough after the vaccine?
Yes, but it is usually milder. Vaccine protection weakens over time.