Lyme Disease Serology - RRPL
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
- Lyme disease acquired in North America is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. The bacteria is transmitted to humans by the Ixodes species of tick, also known as the black-legged or deer tick.
Ordering recommendations
- Patients with significant history of black-legged tick exposure and relevant symptoms.
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
-
Serum
Specimen collection container
- Serum: Serum separator tubes (SST; Tiger top or Gold top)
Collection procedure
- Serum: Collect blood in serum separator tube (SST). Serum must be separated from whole blood by centrifugation within 24h of collection.
Required volume
- Serum: 1 SST (tiger or gold Top) tube, 2 mL minimum
Transport and stability
-
Serum: Serum must be separated from whole blood within 24h of collection. Serum may be shipped at ambient temperature.
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
Patient history
- Patient symptoms, date of symptom onset, travel history, and tick exposure MUST be included on the requisition.
Performance
Methodology
- Qualitative immunoassay Zeus VlsE/pepC10 IgG/IgM screen (Absent, Indeterminate, or Positive)
Days/times performed
Availability
- All specimens will be tested at RRPL.
- Indeterminate or Reactive specimens will be forwarded to the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) for confirmation.
Maximum laboratory time
Result reporting
- Turnaround time of 1 week from receipt at RRPL.
- Confirmatory testing at the NML may take up to 4 weeks.
Specimen retention time
- Saskatoon - Serum is retained for 10 days after completion of testing
Other information
Any additional comments
- All Indeterminate or Positive specimens are forwarded to the National Microbiology Lab (NML) for confirmation.
- Confirmed Positive results are reported to a Medical Health Officer.
Last Updated: December 6, 2024