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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Lyme Disease Borrelia Burgdorferi DNA Qualitative Real Time PCR Test

Detects the DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease, using Real Time PCR. This test is important for early diagnosis, especially after potential tick exposure.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
2 mL (1 mL minimum) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or synovial fluid collected in a sterile screw-capped container.
Results
Results are typically available within 2 to 3 weeks for samples collected by the 7th of the month. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required for this test. Ensure the sample is collected and transported correctly as per laboratory guidelines.
Test priceKSh 60,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Lyme Disease Borrelia Burgdorferi DNA Qualitative Real Time PCR Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease (fever, fatigue, joint pain, rash)
  • ✓History of tick bite
  • ✓Exposure to tick-infested areas
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response (in specific cases)
  • ✓Ruling out Lyme disease in differential diagnosis
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps in the early detection of Lyme disease by identifying the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, potentially preventing serious complications associated with the infection.
The Lyme Disease Borrelia Burgdorferi DNA Qualitative Real Time PCR Test is a diagnostic tool used to detect Lyme disease, an infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted by ticks. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and preventing potential long-term complications. This test is particularly useful for individuals who may have been exposed to ticks in areas where Lyme disease is common.

This test specifically looks for the genetic material (DNA) of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in a patient's sample. Using the Real Time PCR method, the laboratory can provide accurate results to help healthcare providers confirm or rule out Lyme disease.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, or a characteristic rash should consider this test. It is also recommended for those who have spent time in areas known for Lyme disease prevalence, especially if they recall a tick bite.

Early diagnosis through this test allows for prompt treatment, potentially preventing serious health issues associated with untreated Lyme disease. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider for appropriate management.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo specific patient preparation is required for this test. Ensure the sample is collected and transported correctly as per laboratory guidelines.
Sample2 mL (1 mL minimum) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or synovial fluid collected in a sterile screw-capped container.
MethodologyQualitative Real Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to detect Borrelia burgdorferi DNA.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA but does not determine the stage or severity of the infection. A negative result does not completely rule out Lyme disease, especially if the infection is in an early stage or if the sample was collected improperly. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, typically spread through the bite of infected ticks.
Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease can prevent serious long-term health complications.
The test requires cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or synovial fluid.
Results are generally available within 2 to 3 weeks for samples received by the 7th of the month.
A positive result indicates that Borrelia burgdorferi DNA was detected in the sample, suggesting a Lyme disease infection. Discuss this with your doctor.
Insurance coverage varies. Please check with your insurance provider and confirm coverage details with the laboratory before booking.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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