LOINC Code 78921-4: B. pertussis and B. parapertussis panel (Nph)

What is this code?

LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Bordetella pertussis & Bordetella parapertussis panel. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Nph.

When is it used?

• Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
• May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
• Status: ACTIVE
• Order vs observation: Order
• Panel type: Panel

What it does not mean

• The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.

Key facts

• Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis DNA and culture panel - Nasopharynx
• Bordetella pertussis & Bordetella parapertussis panel
• Pertussis is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. PCR has increased sensitivity and faster results reporting, however culture is still considered the gold standard laboratory test and the most specific laboratory test for pertussis. PCR is done to detect the presence of a repetitive insertion sequence IS481 that has been specifically found to be present in up to 100 copies within the genome of B. pertussis. 8-10 copies of this insertion sequence can also be found in B. holmesii however. On rare occasion, a copy of this sequence is also found in B. bronchiseptica, thus these two species may test positive for the PCR assay. Concurrent culturing is used to differentiate these two species from B. pertussis and confirm the organism, while PCR allows preliminary results to be reported the same day that the specimen is received.
• B parapert; B parapertussis; B pert; B pert+parapert Pnl; B pertussis; ID; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; Microbiology; Nasopharynx; Pan; PANEL.MICROBIOLOGY; Panl; Pertussis; Pnl; Point in time; Random; Whooping cough

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.

Common synonyms

Frequently asked questions