Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Screening test used to detect antibodies to Borrelia (the causative organism of Lyme disease) following symptoms of Lyme disease, especially if they appear some weeks after a painless bite from a small tick. IgM is often negative at the time of initial rash (erythema chronicum migrans) and patients should be treated empirically regardless of IgM result.
Specimen container paediatric:
Clotted blood.
Specimen container adult:
Clotted blood – Gold SST.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1ml
Minimum volume adult:
5ml
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, store at ambient temperature.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
N/A
Quality assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS).
Interpretation:
Positive Borrelia IgM results require confirmation by reference laboratory.
Reference Ranges:
None available
Factors affecting result:
Refrigeration of sample not recommended.
Referenced Documents:
N/A
Other Info:
Referred to RIPL (Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory – Porton Down) for confirmation