Lyme Disease (Borrelia Spp) DNA, Ql, Blood

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Also known as: Lyme Disease Borrelia Spp Dna Ql Blood

Lyme Disease (Borrelia

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The Lyme Disease (Borrelia Spp) DNA, Ql, Blood test contains 1 test with 2 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test is a specialized molecular diagnostic assay that utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect the presence of DNA from various Borrelia species, particularly Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the causative agent of Lyme disease. This test is highly sensitive and specific in identifying the genetic material of Borrelia organisms.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why a Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR Test May Be Ordered:

Healthcare providers may recommend the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test when there is a clinical suspicion of Lyme disease or other Borrelia infections. This test is often ordered when a patient presents with symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, and skin manifestations following potential exposure to ticks.

What the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR Test Checks For:

The Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test checks for the presence of Borrelia DNA in patient samples, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or skin specimens. The test identifies the genetic material of Borrelia species by amplifying specific DNA sequences. Positive results indicate the presence of Borrelia organisms, helping to confirm the diagnosis of Lyme disease or other Borrelia infections.

Sample Ulta Lab Tests View of Lyme Disease (Borrelia Spp) DNA Qualitative Blood Test Results

Sample Quest Result Report View of Lyme Disease (Borrelia Spp) DNA Qualitative Blood Test Results

Other Lab Tests That May Accompany a Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR Test:

When a Lyme Disease test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of potential tick-borne illnesses and related conditions. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

  1. Blot for Lyme Disease:

    • Purpose: To confirm the presence of specific antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi.
    • Why Is It Ordered: As a follow-up test if the initial Lyme disease test is positive, to increase the specificity of the diagnosis.

  2. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential:

    • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To check for signs of infection or other hematological abnormalities that can occur with Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.

  3. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):

    • Purpose: To measure markers of inflammation in the body.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To assess for inflammation, which can be present in Lyme disease and other infectious or autoimmune conditions.

  4. Tests for Other Tick-Borne Diseases (e.g., Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia):

    • Purpose: To screen for other infections that can be transmitted by ticks.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To rule out or identify co-infections, as ticks can carry multiple pathogens.

  5. Liver Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess liver health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate liver function, as Lyme disease and other infections can sometimes affect the liver.

  6. Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP):

    • Purpose: To assess kidney function, electrolyte and acid/base balance, and glucose level.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To ensure that overall metabolic function is normal, which can be impacted by systemic infections.

  7. Urinalysis:

    • Purpose: To analyze the composition of urine.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To check for urinary tract infection or kidney involvement, which can occasionally be associated with Lyme disease.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Lyme Disease Borrelia Species Blood test, provide a comprehensive evaluation of a suspected Lyme disease case and help to rule out or confirm other possible diagnoses. They are crucial for accurately diagnosing Lyme disease, assessing its severity, ruling out co-infections, and guiding appropriate treatment. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, clinical presentation, and medical history.

Conditions or Diseases Requiring a Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR Test:

The Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions, including:

  1. Lyme Disease: This test is a cornerstone for confirming the diagnosis of Lyme disease, especially in the early stages when antibodies may not be detectable.

  2. Other Borrelia Infections: The test can also help diagnose other Borrelia infections, such as relapsing fever caused by Borrelia hermsii and Borrelia recurrentis.

Utilization of Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR Test Results by Health Care Providers:

Healthcare providers use the results of the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test to diagnose Borrelia infections, especially Lyme disease. Positive results provide evidence of the presence of Borrelia DNA, supporting the clinical diagnosis. The results guide treatment decisions, initiate timely interventions, and enhance patient care outcomes.

Most Common Questions About the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test:

Purpose and Clinical Significance

What is the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test used for?

The Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test is used to detect the presence of DNA from Borrelia species in a patient's sample. Borrelia species are the causative agents of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness.

Why might a doctor order the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test?

A doctor might order this test when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease, especially if they have a history of tick exposure. The test provides a rapid and specific method to detect Borrelia DNA, confirming the presence of the bacteria.

Interpretation of Results

How are the results of the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test interpreted?

A positive result indicates the presence of Borrelia species DNA, which suggests an active or recent infection with the bacteria. A negative result means that Borrelia DNA was not detected in the sample; however, it doesn't necessarily rule out the possibility of Lyme disease, especially if the test is conducted very early after exposure or if the bacteria's concentration is too low in the sample.

Disease and Complications

What is Lyme disease, and how is it related to the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia species. Symptoms can range from fatigue, fever, and muscle aches to more severe neurological symptoms if left untreated. The Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test detects the DNA of the bacteria, helping to confirm a diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Are there other methods to diagnose Lyme disease besides the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test?

Yes, Lyme disease can also be diagnosed using serological tests, which detect antibodies against Borrelia bacteria. However, these tests might not be positive in the early stages of the disease, making the DNA PCR test a valuable tool, especially in the early stages or when the clinical picture is unclear.

Relation with Other Tests

How does the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test differ from serological tests for Lyme disease?

The Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test detects the actual DNA of the bacteria, while serological tests detect the patient's immune response (antibodies) to the bacteria. The DNA test can detect an infection earlier than serological tests, but both methods have their advantages and limitations.

Other Questions

How soon after a tick bite can the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test be used?

The test can detect Borrelia DNA relatively soon after a tick bite, sometimes as early as a few days. However, the exact timing can vary based on the bacteria's load in the body and where the sample is taken from.

Is the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test useful for all stages of Lyme disease?

The test is especially useful in the early stages of Lyme disease when antibodies might not have developed yet. However, its utility in the later stages, especially when antibodies are present, might be limited.

Understanding the Borrelia Species DNA Qualitative Real-Time PCR test and its implications can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing Lyme disease more accurately and promptly, leading to timely treatment and better patient outcomes.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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