Purpose of the test
Serological confirmation of diagnosis by Western blot (IgG+IgM) on serum.
Criteria to perform the analyses under the reference activity.
Applications to the NRC are based on:
An application for confirmation of the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis: the application form must be fully completed including the clinical reason for testing. If only partial tests have been performed, the tests first performed in the NRC will be reimbursed by the normal INAMI/RIZIV nomenclature. Please specify.
Instructions for samples
Sample collection :
- Serum: preferred volume is 1 ml (at least 0.5 ml is required).
- Storage conditions: Samples can be kept cool for several days (2-8°C). Centrifuge and aliquot samples as soon as possible.
Instructions for transport
Transport conditions: transport can be at room temperature but preferably refrigerated, mainly during summer. In case of long-term storage, freezing of serum and transport of frozen serum is recommended.
Unacceptable requests
- Insufficient samples
- Lipaemic, icteric or haemolytic samples
- If no serum, CSV or synovial fluid, contact the NRC before shipment
- Excessive transport time (> a week) or under excessive heat (e.g. hot summer days) (see storage conditions above).
- Application form not completed in full. This is absolutely necessary. Extreme effort should be made to obtain minimum clinical data (registration is one of the objectives of the NRC).
Turn around time (and frequency of analysis)
10 days for confirmation, analysis is performed twice a week.
Reporting of test results
Results will be sent via email and/or fax according to the requesting laboratory or physician’s wishes.