Bburgdorspecqlcult
This test detects the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in your blood through special culture methods to diagnose Lyme disease.
{"This test checks if you have been infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease","A blood sample (serum) is needed for this test","Early detection helps with timely treatment and better outcomes","A positive result confirms Lyme disease infection","The test may need to be repeated if initial results are negative but symptoms persist"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11550-1
- Short code
- BORRC
- Synonyms
- B burgdor Spec Ql Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservatives; specific borrelia culture transport medium preferred
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87081
- SNOMED
- 39710007
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL of fluid or tissue; minimum 0.5 mL for synovial fluid or CSF; tissue biopsies should be at least 2-3 mm in size
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory within 2 hours at room temperature; if delay anticipated, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours; do not freeze
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 336–1344 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Borrelia burgdorferi culture test is a laboratory test that detects the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in your blood. This bacterium is the primary cause of Lyme disease in North America and Europe. The test uses special culture methods to grow and identify the bacteria from your serum sample.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed when you have symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease, especially if you have been exposed to tick habitats or have a known tick bite. Early symptoms may include a characteristic bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans), fever, headache, and fatigue. The test helps confirm whether your symptoms are due to Lyme disease or another condition.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a special tube and sent to a laboratory where technicians attempt to grow Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria from the serum. This process can take several weeks as the bacteria grow slowly.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means that Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria were detected in your blood, confirming that you have Lyme disease. A negative result does not completely rule out Lyme disease, especially in early stages when bacteria levels may be too low to detect. Your doctor may recommend repeat testing or additional tests if Lyme disease is still suspected.
Reference range
Negative: No Borrelia burgdorferi isolated. Positive: Borrelia burgdorferi isolated by culture.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy when possible, as antibiotics can inhibit organism growth in culture.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Is the test painful?
Can this test detect all types of Lyme disease?
What happens if my test is positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy