Removal · field guidance

PCR for Borrelia in synovial fluid

PCR of joint fluid detects Borrelia DNA in 70-85% of untreated Lyme arthritis cases, more useful than blood PCR.

Steps

schema.org/HowTo

01
Aspirate synovial fluid from the affected joint (commonly the knee).
02
Submit fluid for Borrelia burgdorferi PCR targeting OspA or flagellin genes.
03
Sensitivity is 70-85% in untreated Lyme arthritis; lower after antibiotics.
04
PCR positivity supports active infection but does not rule it out if negative.
05
Pair with serology — almost all Lyme arthritis patients are strongly IgG positive.

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