Western Blot – IgM

Detection of IgM antibodies to whole antigens plus p41 flagellin of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (North American strain) by Western blot assay.

Fresh human serum. Minimum volume of serum required – 0.5 mL. Specimen should be collected during the acute phase (0-4 weeks) of onset of symptoms.

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.

The IgM Western blot is intended for use in testing only human serum samples which have been found positive or equivocal by the ELISA procedure to provide supportive evidence of infection with B. burgdorferi.

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 Western blot assay. This is a qualitative test for the detection of IgM antibody to individual proteins of B. burgdorferi. Caution must be used in supporting a diagnosis of B. burgdorferi infection when sera are Western blot IgM positive and Western blot IgG negative after the initial 4 week period from onset of symptoms. If symptoms persist, a convalescent specimen should be submitted after an additional 3 to 6 weeks to test for seroconversion to IgG antibodies.

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.