Western Blot – IgG

Detection of IgG antibodies to whole antigen extracts of B. garinii by Western blot assay.

Fresh human serum. Minimum volume of serum required - 0.5 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 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.

Potential exposure to I. ricinus ticks with appropriate travel history to Europe and clinical symptoms. The IgG Western blot is intended for use in testing human serum samples which have been found positive or equivocal by the ELISA procedure to provide supportive evidence of infection with Borrelia genospecies.

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 and travel history.

THIS TEST IS PERFORMED FOR INVESTIGATIONAL OR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY

Commercial Western blot assay. This is a qualitative test for the detection of IgG antibodies to pathogenic European genospecies of Borrelia. If early Borreliosis is suspected, serologic evidence of infection is best obtained by testing acute and convalescent phase serum specimens 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. However, if Lyme disease is suspected based on clinical symptoms, treatment should be initiated.

20 calendar days.

1. Hauser, U., Lehnert, G., Lobentanzer, R., Wilske, B. 1997. Interpretation criteria for standardized Western blots for three European species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. J Clin Microbiol 35:1433-1444.