Tropheryma whipplei, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC47307Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID TWRPCPT Code 87798

Tropheryma whipplei, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Clinical Use

Use

This test aids in diagnosing Whipple disease, particularly in identifying inconclusive or suspicious cases using tissue or fluid specimens. Whipple disease is a chronic, systemic illness primarily affecting the small intestine and lymphatic drainage, which can lead to malabsorption, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, arthralgia, fever, and central nervous system symptoms. The disease often requires a histologic examination of biopsy specimens from involved tissues for diagnosis.

Special Instructions

Specimen source is required. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen. Electron microscopic or special high-resolution light microscopic examination of the lamina propria of the small intestine can reveal many rod-shaped bacillary organisms associated with Whipple disease.

Limitations

A negative result does not negate the presence of the organism, as it may occur due to inhibition of polymerase chain reaction, sequence variability underlying primers or probes, or presence of Tropheryma whipplei DNA below the assay's detection limit. The test should be used as an adjunct in diagnosis and not as the sole criteria for clinical decision-making.

Test Details

New York Approved