Laboratory

This photomicrograph shows numerous Gram-positive asporogenous, rod-shaped, Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria.

CDC’s Pertussis and Diphtheria Laboratory provides laboratory support to U.S. health departments requesting assistance with isolation, identification, and sub-typing of Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, B. holmesii, B. bronchiseptica, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and C. ulcerans. The laboratory serves as a resource and outbreak support for state and local health departments, domestic and international researchers, and other laboratory and hospital personnel. In addition to serving as a resource for other laboratories, CDC is actively involved with the development, evaluation, implementation, and improvement of molecular and serologic methods, techniques, and strategies to enhance the diagnosis and surveillance of agents causing diphtheria and pertussis.

Learn more about CDC’s Pertussis and Diphtheria Laboratory.

Resources

See below for laboratory resources related to diphtheria specimen collection, transportation, and submission.

• Laboratory Instructions for Specimen Collection and Transportation [2 pages]
• Laboratory Specimen Submission Form