Test ID: PBORR
Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Molecular Detection, PCR
Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, submit a Microbiology Request Form (Supply T244) with the specimen.
Specimen source is required.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Label specimen as spinal fluid.
Specimen Type: Synovial fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Label specimen as synovial fluid.
Specimen Type: Tissue (fresh only)
Sources: Skin or synovial biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container with normal saline
Specimen Volume: Approximately 4 mm(3)
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit only fresh tissue.
2. Skin biopsies:
a. Wash biopsy site with an antiseptic soap. Thoroughly rinse area with sterile water. Do not use alcohol or iodine preparations. A local anesthetic may be used.
b. Biopsy specimens are best taken by punch biopsy to include full thickness of dermis.
3. Label specimen with source of tissue.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | Green-top (heparin) tube, yellow-top (ACD) tube, blood, or plasma |
Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |


