Borrelia Species by PCR (Lyme Disease)

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR89192Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0055570CPT Code 87476

Borrelia Species by PCR (Lyme Disease)

Also known as: LYMEPCR

Clinical Use

Order Test

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

Specimen source is required for processing. Proper collection, handling, and storage of specimens are essential for accurate results. Failure to do so may affect the test's performance, requiring specimen recollection.

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.

Test Details

New York Approved