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Test ID: LYME    
Lyme Disease Serology, Serum

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The C6 Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme) assay is based on a synthetic peptide antigen (C6 peptide) in microwell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format. The antigen is derived from the VisE protein of Borrelia burgdorferi. In the assay procedure, diluted serum specimens are added to and incubated in wells of an antigen-coated microwell plate. Antibodies specific to the C6 peptide in the serum specimen are bound by the immobilized antigen, and unbound antibodies are removed by wash steps. The bound antibodies are detected by addition of a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated (HRP) goat antihuman IgG/IgM conjugate. After removal of excess conjugate by further wash steps, a chromogenic peroxidase substrate containing tetramethylbenzidine is added. A blue-green product is produced in wells where antibodies have been bound to the antigen. The color development reaction is quenched by addition of dilute sulfuric acid, after which optical absorbance at 45 nm is measured in each well using an ELISA plate reader.(Package insert: Immunetics C6 Borrelia burgdorferi [Lyme] ELISA Kit. Immunetics, Boston, MA, 2006; Liang FT, Steere AC, Marques AR, et al: Sensitive and specific serodiagnosis of Lyme disease by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a peptide based on an immunodominant conserved region of Borrelia burgdorferi VisE. J Clin Microbiol 1999;37[12]:3990-3996)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

4 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester