Tropheryma whipplei DNA Qualitative,Real-Time PCR

Test Code
11352


Alias/See Also
LAB15337


CPT Codes
87798<br>This test is for non-New York patient testing. For New York patient testing on tissue samples, see test code 900262.

Preferred Specimen
> 3 mm3 biopsy, submitted in a sterile, plastic leak-proof container, or
0.7 mL CSF collected in a sterile, plastic leak-proof container, or
0.7 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube, or ACD solution B (yellow-top) tube


Minimum Volume
3 mm3 frozen tissue • 0.3 mL CSF or whole blood


Transport Temperature
Biopsy: Frozen
CSF and whole blood: Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Biopsy and CSF
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable


Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 2-3 days


Reference Range
Not detected


Clinical Significance
Tropheryma whipplei (Whipple's disease) DNA,  PCR is a highly sensitive and specific method to detect the presence of Tropheryma whipplei DNA in clinical specimens. The diagnosis of Tropheryma whipplei infection should not rely solely upon the result of a PCR assay. A positive result should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation and additional established clinical tests. Moreover, this assay cannot differentiate between viable and nonviable organisms. A negative PCR result indicates the absence of Tropheryma whipplei DNA at detectable levels in the samples tested and does not exclude the diagnosis of disease.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.