Lyme Disease Antibodies (Late Disease)

Label Mnemonic:	LYMEL
Epic code:	LAB7770
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	86618; if positive, add 86617

Specimen(s):

Serum

Collection Medium:

Red top tube 5 mL (Clot Activator)

Minimum:

3 mL whole blood from red top tube or TWO red top Microtainer^® devices for pediatric patients

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

2 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

Borrelia burgdorferi IgM & IgG Antibodies
  <=0.8 AI: Negative
  0.9 – 1.0 AI: Equivocal
  >=1.1 AI: Positive

Lyme Ab IgG Confirmation
  Negative

Comments:

Preferred reflex test to detect Lyme disease in individuals with >4 weeks of clinical symptoms or exposure to tick. Positive screen confirmed by Immunoblot.

If initial screen is equivocal or positive, then Immunoblot will be added. Additional charges apply.

Methodology:

Multiplex Flow Immunoassay/Qualitative Western Blot

Sample Processing:

Allow to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells ASAP.
Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells.
Separate plasma or serum into labeled container and cap.
Label transport tube with patient last name, first name, identification number, date and time of collection.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate.

Transport Instructions:

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

CPT Code:

86618; if positive, add 86617