Test Directory

Clear All
Test Code
LBPCR
Test Name
Lyme Disease, Borrelia Species by PCR
CPT Codes
87476
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 4 days
Clinical Utility

Used to support the diagnosis of Lyme disease in conjunction with serologic testing. Diagnosing and monitoring of Lyme disease using Molecular PCR testing should be limited to patients with at least an equivocal or positive serologic test for antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Container

Volume

Synovial Fluid

Sterile Container

2 mL

CSF

Sterile Container

2 mL

Plasma

Lavender Top (EDTA)

2 mL

Serum

Gold Top, Serum Separator; Red Top, Separator

2 mL
Collection Instructions

Processing and Submission Instructions
  1. Do not use EDTA tube for synovial fluid or CSF. Place a minimum of 1 mL in sterile plastic tube with no additive.
  2. For plasma and serum samples, centrifuge for 10 min <1300 rcf within 24 hours of collection.
  3. For Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes, and Red Top Separator tubes, aliquot into a sterile plastic tube. For Gold Top Serum Separator tubes, do not aliquot.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory at refrigerated.
Stability Requirements

Refrigerated

CSF, Serum, Plasma, Synovial Fluid: 7 days

Freeze/Thaw Cycles

 3 Freeze / Thaws
Causes for Rejection
  • Any specimen with leakage on the outside of the container will be rejected. Ensure the lid is tightly closed.
  • Any specimen shared with another laboratory test will be rejected.
  • Any specimen collected in an outdated collection vial will be rejected.
Methodology
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reference Intervals

B. burgdorferi Not Detected
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • Lyme Disease PCR
  • B. burgdorferi by PCR
  • Borrelia burgdorferi by PCR
Testing Schedule
Routine, 2 times per week
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
© 2026 HNL Lab Medicine. All rights reserved.