Laboratory definitive evidence for a confirmed case requires:

• isolation of Bordetella pertussis or detection of B. pertussis nucleic acid, preferably from a nasopharyngeal swab.

Laboratory suggestive evidence for a probable case requires:

• Bordetella pertussis toxin IgG test of >100IU/ml or a significant increase in antibody levels between paired sera at the same laboratory. Serology should only be requested for public health purposes after consultation between the Medical Officer of Health and the local microbiologist.