Patients are jamming the phone lines at this lab. Please don't do that! Only your doctor can order the test. The following blog has been updated. Even if you read it yesterday, pls read it again.
Advanced Labs is developing the next generation of its Borrelia culture test and is seeking blood samples from people with Lyme. Certain conditions apply.
http://lymedisease.org/news/touchedbylyme/lyme-test-research.html
TOUCHED BY LYME: A chance for a free Lyme culture test?
8th January 2013
Depending on circumstances, you may be able to get a free Borrelia culture test as part of a research program.
Advanced Laboratory Services, Inc, became famous in the Lyme community for developing a revolutionary Lyme culture test. Most lab tests for Lyme don’t look for Lyme itself, but rather antibodies to Lyme–which can sometimes be problematic. A culture test grows the Lyme bacteria from the blood sample. Unfortunately, the current culture test costs about $600 and can take up to four months to get results.
Now, Advanced Labs is working on a second generation culture test, with an eye towards developing a less expensive one that gives quicker results.
Dr. Joseph Burrascano, who consults with Advanced Labs, this week sent out a letter to doctors informing them about the development of the new test. In the letter, Burrascano states, “The lab needs blood samples from Lyme patients who are actively ill, have a very high likelihood on clinical grounds to have Lyme (do NOT have to be CDC-positive for this particular study), but must not have been exposed to any antibiotics over the prior four weeks. Can be early or late Lyme- not important as long as you are confident in the diagnosis and the patient has signs that the infection is active. If you have any potential candidates, please let me know.”
According to Burrascano’s letter, the lab will do the full culture free of charge. All samples will be cultured and then tested by immunostains. Select samples may also be tested by PCR and DNA sequencing.
Physicians who want to participate should contact Advanced Labs for special blood collection kits that the company will mail to the doctor’s office. There are very specific instructions that must be followed for collecting and shipping the samples. Also, patients must sign a consent form.
Because of state laws, the lab cannot accept samples from New York practitioners.
This is a good opportunity for certain Lyme patients to get their blood tested for free and also to help advance the development of a significant new test. I’ve already gotten lots of emails from patients asking how they can get the test kits, so I emphasize that it must be done through a doctor and only if you meet certain requirements.
You might print this column and show it to your doctor, asking if you’d qualify for the test. Then, the doctor must contact Advanced Labs for further instructions.
Advanced Laboratory Services Inc.
501 Elmwood Ave.
Sharon Hill, PA 19079
Phone 855-238-4949
Fax 855-238-4946
501 Elmwood Ave.
Sharon Hill, PA 19079
Phone 855-238-4949
Fax 855-238-4946
