Borrelia - detection

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Molecular detection of Borrelia species (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. mayonii and B. spielmanii)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Virology
Specimen Type	○ CSF ○ Synovial fluid ○ Biopsy tissue (fresh or paraffin-embedded)

Other Information

○ PCR testing is not sensitive on specimens other than synovial fluid.
○ Serology is the primary test to diagnose Lyme.
○ For serology, see Borrelia – serology

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ CSF/synovial fluid: sterile container (min volume 0.5 mL)
○ Tissue: sterile container (0.5g)

Collection Requirements

CSF:
○ Decontaminate skin, collect at least 0.5 mL of CSF for each test into a sterile container. Collect appropriate amount of CSF for each additional test requested.

Synovial fluid
○ Clean the needle puncture site with alcohol, and disinfect it with an iodine solution or Chlorhexidine antisepsis. Aseptically perform percutaneous aspiration with syringe and needle to obtain synovial fluid. Transfer to sterile container.

Biopsy tissue
○ Collect 5-10 mm3 tissue aseptically using surgical technique/punch biopsy. Place in a clean, sterile container with a small amount of sterile saline.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 21 days upon receipt by NML

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4432

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Transport specimens to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).

○ The specimen will be referred to the National Microbiology Laboratory for testing.