Borrelia species DNA, Qualitative Real-Time PCR, Tick

Test Code
15510


CPT Codes
87801

Preferred Specimen
Deer tick in 70% ethanol collected in a plastic leak-proof, screw-capped container


Instructions
Place 1 fresh intact Tick in 1-10 mL of 70% ethanol in a sterile leak-proof, container. Specimens submitted in formalin will not be accepted.


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days


Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule
Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 1-3 days


Reference Range
Not detected


Clinical Significance
This test is intended for the qualitative detection of Borrelia DNA in whole blood, CSF, synovial fluid, or ticks. Borrelia are spirochetes and are commonly classified into two categories: those that cause Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) and those that cause relapsing fever. This test detects species in both categories.

Borrelia are typically transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected tick, including hard-bodied ticks of the genera Amblyomma and Ixodes and soft-bodied ticks of the genera Ornithodoros.

Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne infection in the United States, is marked by three stages: 1) local infection, which can include an erythema migrans or "bull's eye" skin lesion and/or flulike symptoms; 2) disseminated infection, which is typically marked by cardiac, neurological and/or skin manifestations; and 3) persistent infection, which can include Stage 2 manifestations as well as rheumatological involvement, most commonly joint pain.

Relapsing fever is marked by febrile periods lasting about three days that alternate with afebrile periods of approximately seven days. Typical symptoms of the febrile period include muscle and joint pain, headache, vomiting and dizziness.

Diagnosis of Borrelia infections is normally based on clinical findings and serological assays. PCR testing can serve as an adjunct to serology, especially during the early stages of infection before antibodies have developed.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153



The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.