DualDur® test, Co-infections, Western Blot, Immunofluorescence

Research Description: Lyme Disease Testing Package

The testing package includes: DualDur® Test, Co-infections Test,  WesternBlot and Immunofluorescence test

• DualDur – the basic test confirming the presence of Borrelia spirochetes.
• Co-infections – the test detects other infections accompanying Lyme disease after tick bites. The test detects co-infections such as: Mycoplasma, Anaplasma / Ehrlichia, Babesia, Bartonella, Borrelia, Chlamydia.
• WesternBlot – the test confirms the presence of IgG antibodies specific to Borrelia antigens in blood serum, used in serological diagnosis of Lyme disease.
• Immunofluorescence test - the test confirms the examination. It involves labeling Borrelia bacteria with a special fluorescent color. The result is an image along with textual explanation.

We recommend this to patients who, in addition to the basic DualDur test, need additional confirmation.

How does the test work?

1. Order and pay for the test.
2. After receiving the kit, carefully read the instructions.
3. Arrange for blood collection at any blood collection point.
4. Prepare for the test according to the instructions.
5. Collect the samples and complete the questionnaire accurately.
6. Send the samples by courier.
7. You will receive the test results in approximately 3-4 weeks.

Sample Collection:

Blood collection (venous blood) can be performed at any blood collection point throughout the country. We suggest having the test done at an authorized collection point in Warsaw at al. Wilanowska 43D (tel: 505-125-046) - the kit with collection is available as another product at the store www.grascare.com.

IMPORTANT

The test is performed in a Hungarian laboratory, so we suggest having the sample collected on Monday so that it reaches the Polish branch no later than Tuesday and Budapest by Friday.

If blood is drawn elsewhere than the authorized center in Warsaw, the kit price does not include the fee for material collection service. It should be arranged individually at the chosen collection point.

If you have any questions, please email dd@dualdur.pl or call +48 505 125 046.

The store is not responsible for incorrect preparation for the test, improperly collected material, improperly stored material, or improperly packaged sample for transport, as well as the choice of carrier.</p

The set includes:

1. Sample tubes for testing (2 pink and 2 empty)
2. Questionnaire for the patient to fill out
3. Instructions for sample collection by a nurse
4. Individual sampling number, to be placed on the questionnaire and each of the sample tubes
5. Dietary recommendations

Technology description:

Previous studies on Lyme disease have left much to be desired in terms of sensitivity and/or specificity, as well as monitoring treatment effectiveness.

The detection of infection did not occur directly - it required observation of the body's immune system response: either antibody levels to the causative agent - the Borrelia bacterium (ELISA and Western Blot methods), or lymphocyte transformation (LTT), assessing the specific cellular response to antigens of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.

To address this issue, an international team of scientists developed a much more reliable diagnostic method, which they called the DualDur® test.

The test involves the use of a special cell culture medium called DualDur®, followed by preparation and concentration of bacteria from blood.

The samples are then examined using a specially designed automated microscope combined with a high-resolution camera, operating on a principle similar to computer tomography, and an artificial intelligence module that recognizes pathogens, while minimizing the risk of human error.

Proper sample preparation ensures sensitivity even when bacterial counts in the blood are low.

Thus, using the DualDur® method, it is possible to detect even the lowest concentrations of B. burgdorferi bacteria present in humans during infection.

An extended version of the test, i.e. DualDur® for Lyme disease and co-infections, allows for the identification of other possible tick-borne pathogens and can replace serological tests and lymphocyte transformation assays for tick-borne co-infections, both as diagnostic tests and for monitoring treatment effectiveness.

Importantly, the tests are reliable at all stages of the disease, allowing for a more certain diagnosis in the early stage of infection, as well as in the more advanced stage with chronic symptoms and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

The DualDur® project partners have completed the CE registration process in accordance with the EU regulations on in vitro diagnostics.