Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Sign In

22382 Lyme Test by PCR

Lyme Test by PCR
Test Code: LYMEPCR
Synonyms/Keywords
​Lyme Disease PCR, Borrelia species by PCR
Useful For
​The Lyme disease PCR test detects specific DNA sequences of Borrelia species in clinical specimens. PCR is most useful when testing synovial fluid of patients with suspected Lyme arthritis in order to establish a primary diagnosis and for monitoring response to therapy. Testing should be limited to patients for which there is a moderate to high risk of Lyme arthritis and have at least an equivocal or positive serologic test for antibodies to Borrelia species.
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume  Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
​No ​ Synovial Fluid​ Screw-capped sterile vial​ ETDA Lavender Top Tube (LTT)​ 1.0​ mL​ 0.2 mL​
Collection Processing Instructions
Refrigerate or freeze.
Avoid freeze / thaw cycles.​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time​​
​Synovial Fluids
​Refrigerated​​
​​7 days​
​Frozen
30 days​​
Rejection Criteria
Heparinized
​Specimens other than Synovial Fluid
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Marshfield
Synovial Fluids: Tuesday and Friday
6-8 hours*
​Real Time PCR, Scorpion Probe
*Testing performed once/day.
Sample must be received in the lab by 0400 to be tested same day. ​ ​ ​ ​
Test Information

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Marshfield Labs.  It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.  This test is used for clinical purposes.  It should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

The sensitivity of PCR for the diagnosis of Borrelia infection is variable depending on the stage of the disease and presence or absence of prior antimicrobial therapy. A negative result does not exclude active infection. PCR results should be interpreted in conjunction with all of the clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic information that is available.​

PCR on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not the best diagnostic approach.  Patients with suspected neuroborreliosis who have abnormal CSF findings (elevated white blood cells and protein levels) and serum containing antibodies to Borrelia should be tested with test code LNBABSO (Lyme Central Nervous System Infection IgG with Antibody Index Reflex).​
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield ​Negative for Borrelia species DNA by Rapid PCR.
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
​87478
​1​
Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Marshfield Labs.  This laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform high complexity testing.  It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.  This test is used for clinical purposes.  It should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

Synonyms/Keywords
​Lyme Disease PCR, Borrelia species by PCR
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Cerner ​Lyme Test by PCR

If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume  Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
​No ​ Synovial Fluid​ Screw-capped sterile vial​ ETDA Lavender Top Tube (LTT)​ 1.0​ mL​ 0.2 mL​
Collection Processing
Refrigerate or freeze.
Avoid freeze / thaw cycles.​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time​​
​Synovial Fluids
​Refrigerated​​
​​7 days​
​Frozen
30 days​​
Rejection Criteria
Heparinized
​Specimens other than Synovial Fluid
Useful For
​The Lyme disease PCR test detects specific DNA sequences of Borrelia species in clinical specimens. PCR is most useful when testing synovial fluid of patients with suspected Lyme arthritis in order to establish a primary diagnosis and for monitoring response to therapy. Testing should be limited to patients for which there is a moderate to high risk of Lyme arthritis and have at least an equivocal or positive serologic test for antibodies to Borrelia species.
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield ​Negative for Borrelia species DNA by Rapid PCR.
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Marshfield
Synovial Fluids: Tuesday and Friday
6-8 hours*
​Real Time PCR, Scorpion Probe
*Testing performed once/day.
Sample must be received in the lab by 0400 to be tested same day. ​ ​ ​ ​
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
​87478
​1​
Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Marshfield Labs.  This laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform high complexity testing.  It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.  This test is used for clinical purposes.  It should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.