Detection of IgG/IgM Antibodies by ELISA

Detection of IgG/IgM antibodies to synthetic peptide antigen (C6 peptide) derived from VlsE protein of Borrelia burgdorferi by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Fresh human serum. Minimum volume of serum required – 0.5 mL. Hemolytic or lipemic sera may yield anomalous 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 wet ice.

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 blacklegged ticks.

Completed requisition for Tick-borne Disease Diagnostic Testing. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results performed at local or provincial laboratories.

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 microplate ELISA kit. This is a semi-quantitative test for the detection of IgG and/or IgM antibodies to B. burgdorferi and pathogenic European genospecies of Borrelia. Samples that are reactive or equivocal by ELISA are subject to confirmation by Western blot. A follow-up specimen should be submitted after an additional 3 to 6 weeks if the ELISA result is equivocal.

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

20 calendar days.

1. Wormser, G.P., Dattwyler, R.J., Shapiro, E.D., et al. 2006. The clinical assessment, treatment and prevention of Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis: Clinical practice guidelines by the infectious disease society of America. Clin. Inf. Dis. 43:1089-134.