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 stricto by immunoblot assay.
- North American Lyme Disease
Fresh human serum.
Minimum volume 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 ice or with freezer 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 spp. 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.
Completed Requisition for Serological Testing for Selected Zoonotic Agents. 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.
Commercial Western blot assay. This is a qualitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies to individual proteins of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. 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.
- 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.