Bordetella pertussis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia both have increased small lymphocytes with condensed nuclear chromatin on the blood smear.What laboratory test could distinguish whooping cough from CLL?

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Culture and serological antibody testing are specific tests for Bordetella pertussis, while molecular testing may also be used for detection. Heterophile testing is used to diagnose infectious mononucleosis, which presents with atypical lymphocytes rather than small lymphocytes with condensed chromatin. Biopsy of lymph nodes may be helpful in diagnosing CLL but is not specific for distinguishing it from whooping cough.

Bordetella Pertussis and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Both Have Increased Small