• Improved sensitivity because it includes TBRF Borreliae-specific antigens from multiple strains and species.
• Improved specificity because pure proteins are sprayed at specific positions on the blot.
• Superior at all stages of TBRF disease.
• Possible speciation of the individual Borrelia strains.
Test
TBRF ImmunoBlot IgM
$225.00
The Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) ImmunoBlot is a qualitative immunoassay in which antibodies specific to the TBRF Borrelia antigens on a membrane strip are visualized. The ImmunoBlot is more sensitive and specific than the IFA and traditional Western Blot tests, its bands can be read more easily, and it can be used at multiple stages of illness. In early or late stage of the disease when antibody levels are very low, the ImmunoBlot can be positive whereas IFA tests can be negative.
The TBRF ImmunoBlot IgM is very sensitive indicators of exposure to TBRF Borrelia. The ImmunoBlot IgM may be positive as early as 2 weeks after a tick bite. This test will usually remain positive for six to eight weeks after initial exposure, and in some patients will remain positive for a very long time. For the testing to be complete, it is preferable that the IgM ImmunoBlot be run along with the IgG ImmunoBlot.
Principle
IB strips are prepared from recombinant proteins of interest. The recombinant proteins are applied to a membrane and cut into strips.
Immunoblotting
Patient serum or plasma is incubated with the IB strip. If specific antibodies to pathogen antigens are present, they will bind to the corresponding antigen bands. After washing off the unbound serum, the strip is incubated with alkaline phosphateconjugated goat anti-human antibody. Bound antibodies react with BCIP/NBT, a chromogenic substrate. A dark purple colored precipitate develops on the antigen-antibody complexes. Bands are visualized and scored for intensities relative to the positive and negative controls.
Tube / Specimen Requirements
1 SST/ minimum volume 0.5mL serum
CPT Code(s)
0043U
Positive: If two TBRF Borrelia specific bands are present
Indeterminate: If one TBRF Borrelia specific IgM band is present
The TBRF ImmunoBlot can result in a false negative early in the disease.
A negative TBRF ImmunoBlot does not exclude the possibility of infection with TBRF Borrelia. IGeneX interpretation is based on internal validation studies. The results of this test must be interpreted in relation to a patient’s clinical history, epidemiological data, stages of disease, clinical symptoms or other laboratory results. An Indeterminate result may have clinical significance. Therefore, we recommend testing with another method and/or retesting in 4-6 weeks.
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The first step in getting tested with IGeneX is to order a collection kit. Choose between a Blood, Urine, or Miscellaneous kit.
WHY IGENEX FOR TICK-BORNE DISEASE TESTING?
- CLIA certified in all 50 states
- Long track record of success since 1991
- Offers testing that is nearly twice as accurate as CDC recommended tests
- Tests for all major tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease, TBRF, Babesia, Bartonella, and Rickettsia
- Utilizes comprehensive testing methods such as PCR, ImmunoBlots, IgXSpot and FISH
- Has become a nationwide leader in COVID-19 testing due to a relentless focus on customer satisfaction
