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Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) on CSF

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Requisition Forms

Reference Details

Description:

Detection of IgG antibodies to a mixture of whole antigen extracts of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, B. garinii and recombinant VlsE of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

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

Fresh human serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). 

Minimum volume required is 0.25 mL of both serum and CSF. 

In order to perform interpretive calculations for this test, absolute values for total albumin and total IgG concentrations of both the serum and CSF must be provided.

Collection Method:

Collect blood in serum separator tubes. Collect CSF into sterile tube without preservatives. The serum and CSF specimens should be collected from the patient within a one hour interval of each other, up to a maximum of 24 hours. If this timeframe is exceeded, the test results may be invalid.

Specimen Processing, Storage and Shipping:

Transfer an aliquot of serum and CSF to 1.5 ml screw-top vials with O-ring (Sarstedt Vial). Store samples 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:

Potential exposure to blacklegged ticks accompanied by clinical symptoms of neuroborreliosis.

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, are not collected within a 24 hour time interval, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information and the indices stated above.

Methods and Interpretation of Results:

Commercial ELISA kit. This is a quantitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies produced in the CNS to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and pathogenic European genospecies of Borrelia

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased antibody production which will affect the outcome of serological testing. However, if neuroborreliosis is suspected based on clinical symptoms, treatment should be initiated.

Turnaround Time:

21 calendar days.

Contact:
Phone #: (204) 789-7434 or (204) 789-6060
Fax: (204) 789-2082
References:
  1. Reiber, H. 1994. The hyperbolic function: a mathematical solution of the protein flux/CSF flow model for the blood-CSF barrier function. J Neurol Sci 126:243-245.
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