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Diagnostic Testing

There are differences in the diagnostic needs of the clinical versus the public health setting. In the clinical setting, the goal is to optimize sensitivity (not to miss cases) while providing rapid results. This ensures rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent further transmission. In the public health setting, a high degree of specificity (not to over-diagnose cases) is needed to avoid unnecessary and ineffective public health interventions.

Image showing the proper technique for obtaining a nasopharyngeal specimen for isolation of Bordetella pertussis.
Specimen Collection

An overview of nasopharyngeal (NP) swab and aspirate specimen collection techniques, including videos...

Specimen.
Diagnosis Confirmation

Several tests are available to test for B. pertussis. Learn which to use, when to use them, and how to interpret them...

 

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CDC Commentary: Don’t Give In and Give Those Antibiotics!

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