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Dec. 4, 2009
The Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) is now allowing Viral Immune Pathology Diagnostics
(VIP Dx) to temporarily offer the tests researchers used in the study linking XMRV to
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME).
Viral Immune Pathology Diagnostics (VIP Dx), in Reno, NV, which is also where the WPI is
located. The institute says net proceeds from the test will be dedicated to further
research.
For more information about the test kit, go to the VIP Dx website. At this time, this is the only
lab test associated with the WPI research, although many companies are advertising XMRV
tests online.
Pros & Cons of Testing
While the prospect of a positive test for something - anything - has a lot of appeal for
those of us with a diagnosis of exclusion, does that mean you should jump at the
opportunity to get tested for XMRV? There are good reasons on both sides of the argument.
The Pros:
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Validation of your illness, for yourself, your family and friends, and maybe your doctors
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Further data & money for research, which may get us closer to a diagnostic test, better
treatments and a vaccine
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Possible directions for your own treatment
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Confirmation of the need for precautions, since the retrovirus may be transmissible
through bodily fluids
The Cons:
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The high cost of the test kit, which ranges from $400 - $650, depending on which test
you get
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The XMRV test kits are NOT covered by Medicare/Medicade or private insurance and must be
paid in full upfront.
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The possible lack of acceptance of results from a test that's still considered unproven by
the greater medical community
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The lack of any proven, or even tested, treatments for XMRV and the conditions it
may cause
This is one of those decisions that everyone needs to make for their own reasons, based on
their own situation. Also, keep in mind that the published XMRV study only looked at
CFS/ME, and the possible connection to FM is extremely preliminary at this point.
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