Immunoblot - IgG
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Requisition Forms
Reference Details
Detection of IgG antibodies to recombinant antigens and whole antigen extracts of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by immunoblot assay.
- European Lyme Disease
- Neuroborreliosis
- North American Lyme Disease
Fresh human serum. Minimum volume of serum required is 0.25 mL. Hemolytic, lipemic or icteric sera may yield erroneous results.
Collect blood in serum separator tubes.
Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 ml screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimens refrigerated up to 5 days or store frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry or with freeze packs.
Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.
Appropriate clinical symptoms with potential exposure to Ixodes species ticks with recent travel history (within 12 months) to Europe
Completed Requisition for Serological Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents, including patient location, duration and exact dates of travel. The IgG immunoblot is intended only for human sera which are positive or equivocal on a Health Canada approved Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato screening ELISA. As such, documentation of the screening ELISA result must be included on the submitted requisition. If possible, include clinical history.
Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information and travel history.
Commercial Western blot assay. This is a qualitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies to European genospecies of Borrelia. Serologic evidence of infection is best obtained by testing paired acute and convalescent phase serum samples collected 3 – 6 weeks apart.
Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased antibody production which will affect the outcome of serological testing.
21 calendar days.
- Hauser, U., Lehnert, G., Lobentanzer, R., Wilske, B. 1997. Interpretation criteria for standardized Western blots for three European species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. J Clin Microbiol 35:1433-1444.