Whooping Cough Tests
Whooping Cough Tests
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system which causes a long-lasting, persistent cough. In some cases, the coughing can be so severe it can make it difficult to breathe. The whooping cough test is a laboratory based diagnosis of the infection.
Preparation
Generally, no specific preparation is needed for the test, however, it can be helpful to mention to the doctor or technician any medical conditions or prior illnesses that could affect the outcome of the test.
Procedure
The most commonly used test for whooping cough is a blood test, or a culture from a throat swab or a sputum sample. These tests can diagnose the presence of the bacteria that causes the infection. In order to collect the sputum or throat swab sample, the doctor or technician will insert a swab into the back of the throat and gently move it around to collect the sample. In some cases, they may use a needle to collect a sample from the chest. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Types of Whooping Cough Tests
- Blood Test
- Throat Swab
- Sputum Sample
- Chest X-Ray
- Polymerase Chain Reaction Test
Risks
Most tests for whooping cough carry minimal risk. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to certain tests, such as the blood test. Additionally, there is a tiny risk of infection from the throat swab or sputum sample, though this is very rare.
Why is Whooping Cough Test Performed?
A whooping cough test is performed to diagnose the presence of the bacteria that causes the infection. This test is used primarily to help confirm a suspected case of whooping cough, so that appropriate treatment and preventative measures can be taken for the patient and their contacts.
When is Whooping Cough Test Performed?
A whooping cough test is usually performed when someone has the symptoms of a chronic cough, or if there has been an outbreak of whooping cough in their area. It can also be performed on babies and young children who have been in contact with someone with the infection. In some cases, a doctor may decide to conduct the test on a patient who is not exhibiting any symptoms to confirm that they are not a carrier of the bacteria.