Whooping Cough Diagnosis Test: 5 Accuate Tests For Throat

Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a contagious respiratory infection with severe coughing spells and a distinctive "whooping" sound. Whooping cough diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and tests, leading to timely treatment for a better outcome.

 

5 Tests for Whooping Cough Diagnosis

A timely and accurate whooping cough diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing its spread. Early detection enables prompt intervention, reducing complications and ensuring better outcomes for patients.

 

In whooping cough diagnosis, healthcare professionals may use a combination of the following tests:

1. Nasopharyngeal swab
2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
3. Serology test
4. Chest X-ray
5. Blood tests

 

 

1. Nasopharyngeal Swab

• The nasopharyngeal swab test is Commonly used for whooping cough diagnosis.
• Involves collecting a sample from the back of the nose and throat.
• Detects Bordetella pertussis bacteria through laboratory analysis.

Nasopharyngeal Swab Test	Details
Also Known As	Nasal swab, NP swab
Purpose	Detect Bordetella pertussis
Sample	Back of nose & throat
Preparation	None
Procedure	Insert swab, collect a sample
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2000
Result Value	Presence or absence of bacteria
Normal Value	Absence of bacteria
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Presence of bacteria, indicating whooping cough

The nasopharyngeal swab test, also known as a nasal swab or NP swab, accurately detects Bordetella pertussis bacteria in the back of the nose and throat, aiding in the whooping cough diagnosis.

 

2. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Highly sensitive and specific diagnostic method.
• Detects genetic material of Bordetella pertussis bacteria.
• Enables accurate identification through DNA/RNA analysis.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test	Details
Also Known As	PCR test, molecular test
Purpose	Detect Bordetella pertussis
Sample	Nasopharyngeal swab
Preparation	None
Procedure	Analyze DNA/RNA
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	1000-4000
Result Value	Presence or absence of bacteria
Normal Value	Absence of bacteria
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Presence of bacteria, indicating whooping cough

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test accurately detects the presence or absence of Bordetella pertussis bacteria in the nasopharyngeal swab, aiding in the whooping cough diagnosis with high accuracy.

 

3. Serology Test

• Assessing the presence of specific antibodies against the bacteria.
• Indicates exposure and immune response to whooping cough.
• Confirms whooping cough diagnosis and evaluates infection stage.

Serology Test	Details
Also Known As	Antibody test
Purpose	Assess the presence of specific antibodies
Sample	Blood
Preparation	None
Procedure	Analyze blood sample
Test Timing	1-2 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2000
Result Value	Presence or absence of specific antibodies
Normal Value	Presence of specific antibodies
Accuracy	High
Interpretation	Presence of antibodies, suggesting previous exposure or vaccination

The serology test assesses the presence of specific antibodies against Bordetella pertussis bacteria in the blood, indicating exposure or vaccination for whooping cough. It provides valuable information for whooping cough test and evaluation with high accuracy.

 

4. Chest X-ray

• Used to evaluate the lungs in suspected whooping cough cases.
• Rules out other respiratory conditions and assesses lung severity.
• Provides valuable information for whooping cough test and treatment planning.

Chest X-ray Test	Details
Also Known As	CXR
Purpose	Evaluate lungs, rule out respiratory conditions
Sample	None
Preparation	None
Procedure	Imaging of the chest to assess lung condition
Test Timing	15-30 minutes
Test Price (INR)	1000-3000
Result Value	Visualization of lung structure
Normal Value	Clear lung structure
Accuracy	Moderate
Interpretation	The presence of lung abnormalities or conditions may require further evaluation

The chest X-ray test (CXR) evaluates lung condition, rules out respiratory conditions, and visualizes lung structure for abnormalities. It is an accurate imaging tool for initial evaluation and further interpretation of lung health.

 

5. Blood Tests

• Aid in the whooping cough test of whooping cough and provide valuable information.
• Measure white blood cell count and infection markers.
• Assist in determining treatment options and monitoring the response.

Blood Tests	Details
Also Known As	Hematological tests
Purpose	Measure white blood cell count
Sample	Blood
Preparation	Fasting required
Procedure	Lab analysis of blood sample
Test Timing	2-4 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-3000
Result Value	White blood cell count
Normal Value	Range varies for different markers
Accuracy	Variable
Interpretation	Abnormal values indicate infection or other conditions requiring further evaluation

Blood tests, also known as hematological tests, measure white blood cell count and infection markers. They provide valuable information for initial evaluation, aiding in the detection of infections and other conditions.

 

Whooping Cough Diagnosis Test Overview

Test Name	Nasopharyngeal Swab	Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)	Serology Test
Also Known As	Nasal swab, NP swab	PCR test, molecular test	Antibody test
Purpose	Detect Bordetella pertussis	Detect Bordetella pertussis	Assess the presence of specific antibodies
Sample	Back of nose & throat	Nasopharyngeal swab	Blood
Preparation	None required	None required	None required
Procedure	Insert swab, collect a sample	Analyze DNA/RNA	Analyze blood sample
Test Timing	2-4 hours	2-4 hours	1-2 hours
Test Price (INR)	500-2000	1000-4000	500-2000
Result Value	Presence or absence of bacteria	Presence or absence of bacteria	Presence or absence of specific antibodies
Normal Value	Absence of bacteria	Absence of bacteria	Presence of antibodies
Accuracy	High	High	High
Interpretation	Presence of bacteria, indicating whooping cough	Presence of bacteria, indicating whooping cough	Presence of antibodies, suggesting previous exposure or vaccination

Nasopharyngeal Swab, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Serology tests are used to detect Bordetella pertussis and assess antibodies. They provide accurate results for diagnosing whooping cough and guiding treatment decisions.

 

Whooping Cough Differential Diagnosis

Similar Disease	Differentiating Factors
Pertussis	Paroxysmal coughing fits with a "whooping" sound, post-tussive vomiting
Asthma	Recurrent episodes triggered by specific stimuli, wheezing, shortness of breath
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)	Symptoms related to acid reflux, heartburn, regurgitation
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection	Rapid breathing, wheezing, chest congestion, lower respiratory tract involvement

Differential diagnosis for Whooping Cough includes similar diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, GERD, and RSV infection. Differentiating factors include paroxysmal coughing fits with "whooping" sound and post-tussive vomiting.

 

Best Doctor for Whooping Cough

Specialist	Description
Pediatrician	Specializes in child healthcare
Pulmonologist	Expert in respiratory conditions
Infectious Disease Doctor	Specializes in infectious diseases
Family Medicine Doctor	Provides comprehensive primary care

The best doctor for whooping cough is a Pediatrician who expert in child healthcare, ideal for whooping cough treatment.

 

7 Interesting and Unknown Facts of Whooping Cough Diagnosis

1. The nasopharyngeal swab test is the primary diagnostic tool for whooping cough.
2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects the genetic material of the bacteria.
3. Serology test assesses specific antibodies against the pertussis bacteria.
4. Chest X-ray helps evaluate lung condition and rule out other respiratory conditions.
5. Blood tests measure white blood cell count and infection markers.
6. Proper timing of tests is crucial for accurate whooping cough test.
7. Accurate interpretation of test results is essential for effective management.

 

Conclusion

Accurate whooping cough diagnosis involves tests like nasopharyngeal swab, PCR, serology, chest X-ray, and blood tests. Timely and accurate interpretation of results is crucial for effective management.

 

Reference

• Whooping cough - Wikipedia [1].
• The serological diagnosis of whooping cough. - PMC [2].
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) - CDC [3].