Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi) DNA Qualitative Real Time PCR Test
Short Name: Lyme Disease PCR Test
Also known as: Borrelia burgdorferi PCR Test, Lyme Disease DNA Test, Lyme PCR Qualitative Test, Borrelia Real Time PCR
Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi) DNA Qualitative Real Time PCR Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹30,000. Uses Real Time PCR (Qualitative) on CSF / Synovial Fluid samples. Results in Results are typically available 2-3 weeks after sample receipt at the reference laboratory. Samples should be submitted by the 7th of the month.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
This test is performed to detect the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in clinical specimens for the diagnosis of active Lyme disease. It is especially useful for confirming infection during the early stage when serological tests may be negative, for monitoring treatment efficacy, and for diagnosing Lyme-associated arthritis.
- Test Code
- 1199
- ICD Code
- A69.20
- Price
- ₹30,000
- Sample Type
- CSF / Synovial Fluid
- Result Time
- Results are typically available 2-3 weeks after sample receipt at the reference laboratory. Samples should be submitted by the 7th of the month.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time PCR (Qualitative)
Sample Collection
Ensure the Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is duly completed and signed. Inform your physician about any current antibiotic therapy, as this may affect results. No fasting is required.
Method: Clinical collection by physician / Lumbar puncture / Joint aspiration
Laboratory Analysis
CSF is collected via lumbar puncture and synovial fluid via joint aspiration. Both procedures are performed by a qualified physician. The sample is transferred into a sterile screw-capped container under aseptic conditions.
Report Delivery
The sample must be shipped refrigerated or frozen to the testing laboratory. Handle the sample carefully to avoid contamination. Results are typically available within 2-3 weeks of sample receipt.
Timeline: Results are typically available 2-3 weeks after sample receipt at the reference laboratory. Samples should be submitted by the 7th of the month.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
This test is performed to detect the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in clinical specimens for the diagnosis of active Lyme disease. It is especially useful for confirming infection during the early stage when serological tests may be negative, for monitoring treatment efficacy, and for diagnosing Lyme-associated arthritis.
How to Prepare
- Duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory
- Collect 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) of CSF or synovial fluid
- Transfer sample to a sterile screw-capped container
- Ship sample refrigerated (2-8°C) or frozen (-20°C)
- Label the container clearly with patient details and date/time of collection
- Ensure aseptic technique during collection to avoid contamination
- Transport sample to the laboratory as soon as possible
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Lyme disease remains significantly under-diagnosed in India due to limited awareness and the overlap of its symptoms with other febrile illnesses. The qualitative real-time PCR test for Borrelia burgdorferi DNA is particularly valuable in the early phase of infection—within the first 2 to 4 weeks—when antibody-based serological tests may still return false-negative results. By detecting the pathogen's genetic material directly from CSF or synovial fluid, this assay provides definitive evidence of active infection. It is also an important tool for monitoring treatment response and diagnosing Lyme arthritis. I recommend this test for any patient presenting with erythema migrans, unexplained neurological symptoms, or joint effusion following potential tick exposure."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received without the mandatory Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35)
- Sample volume less than 1 mL
- Sample collected in a non-sterile or leaking container
- Sample left at room temperature beyond 6 hours
- Unlabeled or mislabeled samples
- Heavily contaminated specimens
Understanding Your Results
Detected
Borrelia burgdorferi DNA is present in the sample. This is consistent with active Lyme disease infection. Clinical correlation and initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy should be considered by the treating physician.
Not Detected
Borrelia burgdorferi DNA is not detected in the sample. This does not completely rule out Lyme disease, as the organism may not be present in the sampled fluid, or the bacterial load may be below the detection threshold. Clinical correlation and additional testing (e.g., serology) may be warranted.
Consult an infectious disease specialist or your treating physician if you have been bitten by a tick, develop a bull's-eye rash, experience unexplained fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain, or neurological symptoms such as facial palsy or severe headache. Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease is important to prevent complications.
Limitations
- ⚠A negative result does not rule out Lyme disease, as bacterial DNA may be absent or below detection threshold in certain specimens
- ⚠This test detects DNA and does not distinguish between viable and non-viable organisms
- ⚠CSF or synovial fluid collection requires clinical procedures that must be performed by a qualified physician
- ⚠This is a send-out test; turnaround time is 2-3 weeks from sample receipt at the reference laboratory
- ⚠Results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and epidemiological history
Risks & Considerations
- ●Lumbar puncture may cause headache, back pain, or minor bleeding at the puncture site
- ●Joint aspiration carries a small risk of infection, bleeding, or discomfort at the collection site
- ●Allergic reaction to local anesthesia is rare but possible
Interfering Factors
- ●Antibiotic therapy prior to sample collection may reduce bacterial load and affect detection
- ●Improper sample storage or delayed transport can degrade DNA and affect results
- ●Sample contamination during collection may lead to false results
- ●Very low bacterial load in early or late-stage disease may fall below detection limits
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi) DNA Qualitative Real Time PCR Test | Lyme Disease Antibody Test (ELISA/EIA) | Western Blot for Lyme Disease | Complete Blood Count (CBC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi) DNA Qualitative Real Time PCR Test | Serological tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to B. burgdorferi infection. They may produce false negatives in early infection (first 2-4 weeks) before antibodies develop. The PCR test detects bacterial DNA directly and can confirm infection earlier. | Western Blot is a confirmatory serological test that detects specific antibodies. It is typically performed after a positive or equivocal ELISA. The PCR test provides direct molecular evidence of the organism and is useful when serology is inconclusive. | A CBC may show non-specific changes such as elevated white blood cell count in Lyme disease but cannot confirm the diagnosis. The PCR test provides specific identification of the causative organism's DNA. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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