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Serum Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) – IgG/IgM

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Accredited by the Standards Council of Canada to Laboratory no. 594 (ISO/IEC 17025)

Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Detection of IgG/IgM antibodies to VlsE1 and pepC10 antigens derived from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Test Category:
Serology
Pathogen:
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato
Laboratory:
Illnesses and Diseases:
  • European Lyme Disease
  • Neuroborreliosis
  • North American Lyme Disease
Specimen:

Fresh human serum.

Minimum volume required is 0.25 mL.

Hemolytic or lipemic sera may yield anomalous results.

Collection Method:

Collect blood in serum separator tubes.

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

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 ice or with freezer packs.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods:

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.

 

Patient Criteria:

Appropriate clinical symptoms with potential exposure to blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic rash may be present. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

Accompanying Documentation:

Completed Requisition for Serological Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

Comments:

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.

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

This commercial microplate ELISA is a semi-quantitative test for the detection of IgG and / or IgM antibodies to B. burgdorferi sensu lato.

Samples that are reactive or equivocal by this ELISA are subject to confirmation by immunoblot.

A follow-up specimen should be submitted after an additional 3 to 6 weeks if the ELISA result is negative, or if the sample is negative by immunoblot. 

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased antibody production which will affect the outcome of serological testing.

Turnaround Time:

21 calendar days.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-6068
Fax: (204) 789-2082
References:
  1. Moore A, Nelson C, Molins C, Mead P, & Schriefer M. 2016. Current Guidelines, Common Clinical Pitfalls, and Future Directions for Laboratory Diagnosis of Lyme Disease, United States. Emerging Infectious Diseases 22(7): 1169-1177.

Related Information: