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Whipples Disease Associated DNA by PCR, Non-Blood

Whipples Disease Associated Bacillus (Tropheryma whipplei) DNA Detection, Biopsy and Fluid

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6187, Beaker: XWHIP, Mayo: TWRP

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

For blood specimens, please see Tropheryma whipplei, PCR, Blood.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Only one of the following specimens:

• Fresh biopsy specimen in a sterile collection container. A paraffin block is also acceptable. (Minimum: 5.0 mm²)
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), Synovial fluid, or Vitreous Humor fluid in a sterile collection container. (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Send specimen for processing immediately after collection.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain fresh biopsy specimens frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below) prior to transport. Maintain fluid specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Fresh biopsy specimens, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below), or fluid specimens, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F), in a sterile collection container. (Minimum: 5.0 mm² biopsy or 0.5 mL fluid)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain fresh biopsy specimens frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below) prior to transport. Maintain fluid specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Transport: Fresh biopsy specimens, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below), or fluid specimens, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F), in a sterile collection container. (Minimum: 5.0 mm² biopsy or 0.5 mL fluid) 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Paraffin Block
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Indefinitely
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Indefinitely
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Fluid/Fresh Biopsy Specimens
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday – Friday.
Results available in 3-8 days. 

Reference Range

Negative (reported as negative for Whipple's disease associated bacillus DNA).

Test Methodology

Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

This assay is useful for the diagnosis of Whipple's disease associated bacillus (Tropheryma whippelii) infection.

CPT Codes

87798

Contacts

Last Updated

10/2/2023