Preparation :
No antibiotics or antimicrobial herbs (please check this with your prescribing practitioner) to be taken for 4 weeks prior to collection
Type of Collection :
The micro-organism requested for testing will determine the type of sample required. The most commonly tested sample is whole blood – taken by venipuncture using EDTA tubes. Borrelia testing may be performed on whole blood, (EDTA tube) Serum (SST or Clot tube) or Urine (two first pass urine collections in sterile container). The referring Medical Practitioner should indicate which specimen types are to be tested.
Specimen Transport Packs :
Laboratory Mailers that conform to IATA standards for the safe transport of Biological Specimens are available for intra and interstate patients. Please enquire about the cost as it is not refundable.
Payment of the test cost is made when ordering the Lab Mailer.
Please phone us on (02) 9283 0807 or contact us if you would like to order a Lab Mailer.
The handling of specimens must be as follows to preserve the integrity of the DNA or false negative results may occur.
- Blood samples should not be frozen or should not touch the ice pack when in a Specimen Transport Pack.
Samples should reach our laboratory preferably within 24 hours from collection or no later than 48 hours.