Diagnosis of pertussis

PCR: polymerase chain reaction.

* Close contact is defined as face-to-face exposure within three feet of a symptomatic patient and/or direct contact with the respiratory, nasal, or oral secretions of a person with active pertussis.

¶ Testing is not required for diagnosis and the initiation of treatment. However, we generally test patients for public health surveillance.

Δ Direct PCR is more accurate and reliable than PCR performed as part of a multiplex assay.