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Lyme Disease (Borrelia spp) DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time PCR, Blood
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Test Code
LYMEQL
Alias/See Also
15777;
Lyme DNA by PCR;
Lyme PCR Blood
Lyme DNA by PCR;
Lyme PCR Blood
CPT Codes
87801
Preferred Specimen
q mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube, CSF or synovial fluid collected in a sterile, leak-proof container
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Whole blood collected in a ACD (yellow-top) tube
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
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
Mon - Sat
Report Available
1 - 3 days
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 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.
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 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
