Tick Examination for Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) Detection using PCR Method

What is it?
This is a molecular test used to determine whether a tick that has bitten a human was infected with Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) bacteria. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method is used to detect the bacteria's DNA.

How is it performed?
A removed tick (alive or dead) is brought to the laboratory. The test is conducted on the tick's body – not from the patient's blood.

When is it recommended?

• After removing a biting tick (the sooner, the more reliable the result);
• Prophylactically, to assess the risk of infection;
• When a person wants to know if the tick was not infected with Lyme disease.

Allows assessment of whether there was a risk of contracting Lyme disease. Helps decide if prophylactic antibiotic therapy is necessary.