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Microbiology

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Lyme Disease

Serology may be negative early after exposure to an infected tick.

Please call Microbiology medical staff if a case discussion would be helpful.

Sample type

Serum

Tick for identification - these can be sent to the lab if found on a patient's skin

Specimen requirements

Blood in SST gold top tube

Tick sent in sterile universal container

Minimum volume

Serum - 0.5ml

Frequency of test

Serology - Monday to Saturday

Tick for identification - daily, Monday to Friday

Turnaround time

Serology - one day

Tick for identification - 3 days

What to request on EPR

Lyme Disease IgG level, blood; Insect / parasite for identification, specimen

Last reviewed:14 February 2023

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