What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a persistent, severe cough, especially one that comes in fits followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound when you breathe in. It helps identify whether Bordetella pertussis or the related B. parapertussis bacteria are causing your symptoms, which is especially important if you've been around young children, unvaccinated individuals, or someone diagnosed with whooping cough. It's also useful if you have a lingering cough that won't go away after a cold or flu.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account as either positive or negative, with a clear explanation of what that means. If your result is positive, next steps typically include starting antibiotics quickly to reduce spread and limiting contact with infants and pregnant people until you're no longer contagious. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you're retested later, the trends feature lets you track your results over time.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a cough lasting more than a week or two, especially if it comes in intense coughing fits or is followed by vomiting or a whooping sound, should consider this test. It's also a smart choice if you've had close contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough, work in childcare or healthcare, or live with an infant who hasn't completed their vaccine series. People who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against pertussis are at higher risk and may benefit from testing sooner rather than later.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for a cough that starts mild but gets progressively worse over one to two weeks, especially if it happens in sudden, uncontrollable bursts. Other signs include a whooping sound when inhaling after a coughing fit, vomiting after coughing, and exhaustion following coughing episodes. In infants, symptoms can look different and may include pauses in breathing rather than the classic whoop, which makes testing especially important for young children.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days from when your sample is processed at the lab. Because whooping cough can spread quickly and treatment works best when started early, it's a good idea to limit contact with others, particularly infants and pregnant people, while you wait for your results. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your account.

How can I naturally support recovery from a respiratory infection?

While antibiotics are typically needed to treat whooping cough itself, staying well hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and using a humidifier can help soothe irritated airways and ease coughing fits. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help if coughing triggers vomiting. Avoiding smoke, dust, and other airway irritants also helps your lungs recover faster once treatment has started.

What causes a positive or negative result to be unclear?

A negative result can sometimes occur even with a real infection if the sample was collected too early or too late in the illness, since the bacteria are easiest to detect in the first few weeks of coughing. Prior antibiotic use before sample collection can also reduce the amount of detectable bacterial DNA. If your symptoms strongly suggest whooping cough despite a negative result, retesting or discussing your specific timeline and exposure history can help clarify the picture.

How often should I retest?

If your first test is negative but your symptoms continue or worsen, retesting after a few days can help catch an infection that was missed due to early timing. If you were in close contact with a confirmed case and developed symptoms afterward, testing again at that point makes sense even if an earlier test was negative. Most people won't need repeat testing once they receive a clear positive or negative result that matches their symptoms.

What should I do if my results are positive?

A positive result means you likely have an active Bordetella infection and should start treatment as soon as possible to shorten how long you're contagious. Stay home and avoid close contact with others, especially infants, young children, and pregnant people, until you've completed several days of treatment. Cover coughs, wash hands frequently, and let close contacts know so they can watch for symptoms or get tested themselves.

What is whooping cough and why does it matter?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria that attack the lining of the airways, leading to intense coughing fits. It matters because while it can feel like a bad cold in adults, it can be life-threatening for infants and young children who haven't been fully vaccinated. Catching and treating it early helps protect vulnerable people around you and shortens your own recovery time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Whooping Cough PCR Test - Fast Pertussis Detection

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) DNA PCR Test

Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) DNA PCR Test

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say