Borrelia Species DNA Real-Time PCR with Reflexes Synovial FluidCSF
- Laboratory
- Quest Diagnostics
- Test code
- 39218
- Specimen
- Csf
- Fasting
- Not stated as required
What the laboratory says this test is for
This test is intended for the qualitative detection of Borrelia DNA in CSF or synovial fluid. Borrelia are spirochetes and are commonly classified into two categories: those that cause Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) and those that cause relapsing fever. This test detects species in both categories.Borrelia are typically transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected tick, including hard-bodied ticks of the genera Amblyomma and Ixodes and soft-bodied ticks of the genera Ornithodoros.Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne infection in the United States, is marked by three stages: 1) local infection, which can include an erythema migrans or "bull's eye" skin lesion and/or flulike symptoms; 2) disseminated infection, which is typically marked by cardiac, neurological and/or skin manifestations; and 3) persistent infection, which can include Stage 2 manifestations as well as rheumatological involvement, most commonly joint pain.Relapsing fever is marked by febrile periods lasting about three days that alternate with afebrile periods include muscle and joint pain, headache, vomiting and dizziness.Diagnosis of Borrelia infections is normally based on clinical findings and serological assays. PCR testing can serve as an adjunct to serology, especially during the early stages of infection before antibodies have developed.
Quest Diagnostics test directory, test code 39218