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Test ID: LYWB    
Lyme Disease Antibody, Immunoblot, Serum

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

In the immunoblot analysis, an antigen mixture prepared from Borrelia burgdorferi strain B31 is separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). After the antigens have been resolved by SDS-PAGE, they are electrophoretically transferred and bound to a nitrocellulose membrane. Patient specimen is then added to the nitrocellulose membrane. If Lyme-specific antibodies are present in the specimen, they will bind to antigen on the nitrocellulose membrane. Bands are then detected by the addition of an enzyme-labeled antihuman-IgG or antihuman-IgM reagent that allows for the visualization of bands on the nitrocellulose membrane.(Towbin H, Gordon J: Immunoblotting and dot immunobinding--current status and outlook. J Immunol Methods:1984;72:313-340; Johnson CM, Helgeson SC: Glycoproteins synthesized by cultured cardiac valve endothelial cells: unique absence of fibronectin production. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 1988;153:46-50; Grodzicki RL, Steere AC: Comparison of immunoblotting and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using different antigen preparations for diagnosing early Lyme disease. J Infect Dis 1988;157:790-797)

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; 9 a.m.

Saturday, Sunday; varies

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.

Same day/1 day

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

3 days

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

2 weeks

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

Rochester