Tropheryma whipplei (Whipple's) DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Test Code

11352X

CPT Codes
87798<br /> <strong>This test is not available for New York patient testing.</strong>

Preferred Specimen

3 mm x3 fresh (unfixed) tissue

Minimum Volume

1 mm x3 tissue • 0.3 mL CSF or whole blood

Other Acceptable Specimens

0.7 mL CSF collected in a sterile vial or whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) or ACD (yellow-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Tissue: Frozen
CSF and whole blood: Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Tissue and CSF
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Do Not Freeze

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

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days

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.

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.