Borrelia burgdorferi DNA, Qualitative Real Time PCR, Miscellaneous

Test Code

LYMECSFPCR

Quest Code

39209

Alias/See Also

Lyme Synovial Fluid
Lyme CSF Fluid
Lyme Blood

CPT Codes
87476

Preferred Specimen

3 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or
3 mL CSF or synovial fluid collected in a sterile plastic leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Whole blood collected in: ACD (yellow-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

CSF, synovial fluid
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Lithium heparin (green-top) tube • Sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 2-3 days

Reference Range

Not detected

Clinical Significance

The diagnosis of Lyme disease is most often made by clinical examination combined with evidence of tick bite or exposure in endemic areas. Amplification of Borrelia genomic DNA from blood, fluids or tissues can support the diagnosis. A negative result does not rule out Borrelia infection and appropriate serology testing may be clinically warranted.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: May 8, 2023

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.