Borrelia Species by PCR (Lyme Disease)
Also known as: LYMEPCR
Use
Borrelia Species by PCR (Lyme Disease) is not a first-line test for Lyme disease but may be useful if a strong suspicion of Lyme disease persists despite persistent negative serologic testing. It helps detect the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, by PCR. It is crucial in instances where patients exhibit clinical symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease, yet conventional serologic tests return negative results.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Blood and CSF specimens generally have poor clinical sensitivity for detecting Borrelia burgdorferi by PCR. This test may not detect all Borrelia species or other tick-borne pathogens. A negative result may also occur if PCR inhibitors are present in the specimen or if the target nucleic acid is below the detection threshold.
New York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (Qualitative)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 31208-2 - Specimen source
- 4991-6 - B burgdor DNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA) or serum separator tube
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Heparinized specimens, tissues in optimal cutting temperature compound.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 8 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 1 year |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant