Tropheryma whipplei, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood
Use
Whipple disease is a chronic, systemic illness that primarily affects adults of middle age, involving the small intestine and its lymphatic drainage. Clinical findings may include malabsorption, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, arthralgia, fever, and central nervous system symptoms. Pathologic changes are distinctive, and diagnosis often depends on histologic examination of biopsy specimens. Molecular techniques using PCR and nucleotide sequencing have classified the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei, aiding in diagnosis, especially for inconclusive or suspicious cases using whole blood specimens.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
A negative PCR result does not exclude the presence of Tropheryma whipplei DNA or active disease, as it may arise from inhibition of PCR, sequence variability under primers or probes, or sub-detectable levels of DNA. Results should be carefully correlated with patient symptoms. The assay has a high sensitivity and specificity but should not be the sole basis for diagnosis.
New York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (Real-Time PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 97205-9 - T whipplei DNA Bld Ql NAA+n-prb
- 97205-9 - T whipplei DNA Bld Ql NAA+n-prb
Result Turnaround Time
2-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender top (EDTA); acceptable: royal blue top, pink top, or sterile vial with EDTA-derived aliquot
Collection Instructions
Send whole blood specimen in original tube (preferred)
Causes for Rejection
Bone marrow
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |