Test Directory
Whipple's diagnostics
Containers - Adult
20ml Sterile Universal Container
|
Additive per Container
None |
Red Cap Tube EDTA KE 9ml
|
Additive per Container
None. DO NOT SPIN. |
Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Transport arrangements
Transport as soon as is practicable to the RIE for onward transport to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Special instructions for collection
Useful: in patients where Whipple's disease may be suspected e.g. in those with diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss and joint pains. More common in men than women.
Please collect or arrange to send:
Fresh tissue or FFPE (formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded) tissue (for Whipple's PCR): please send a minimum of four rolled sections (10µm) for FFPE tissue, but ideally 10 rolled sections is better incase the PCR extraction needs to be repeated. Do not send slides or blocks of tissue as these cannot be processed.
Whole blood: for Whipple's PCR. When sending to the laboratory please mark clearly on request form: 'PLEASE DO NOT SPIN'.
PCR can also be done on CSF or duodenal biopsy.
How to request
Via paper request form.
Availability
This is a referred test so should be sent Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Anticipated turnaround
Up to 14 days.
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
Telephoned by microbiologist
General additional information
GOSH PCR sample request form and contact details (to be filled in by the Microbiology Team)