TickPlex and immunology

ArminLabs is a lab in Augsburg, Germany. In the US, its tests are offered through Alianza Bio Health. [A1][A3]

TickPlex Basic tests IgG and IgM to Borrelia burgdorferi, B. afzelii and B. garinii, including persistent (round body) forms. TickPlex Plus adds Babesia microti, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Rickettsia akari, Coxsackievirus, EBV, Parvovirus B19, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma fermentans. [A3] ArminLabs also offers EliSpot, CD57 and immune profile tests. [A1]

1. 1

   Before the visit

   Prep

   • No fasting is needed for ArminLabs tests. [A2]
   • Ask your provider about medications.
2. 2

   The draw

   Draw

   • Fill all tubes, unless your provider says otherwise. [A4]
   • Kit order of draw: 1 serum tube (orange cap), 3 CPDA tubes (yellow cap), 1 heparin tube (green cap), 2 EDTA tubes (purple cap). This order comes from a distributor copy of the kit instructions; follow the instructions in your kit. [A4]
   • Let the disinfectant dry fully before the venipuncture, and don't pull too hard on the tube. Both can cause hemolysis. [A1]
   • Label every tube with the patient's name and date of birth. [A1][A4]
3. 3

   Right after collection

   Processing

   • Gently sway or invert each tube several times (about 10). Do not shake. [A1][A4]
   • Do not centrifuge or refrigerate any tube. [A1] A few add-on tests are exceptions (for example homocysteine and zonulin). Follow your kit if those are ordered. [A2]
   • Store at room temperature, away from sunlight. Avoid long exposure below 0 C or above 40 C. [A1]
   • Keep the tubes upright in a rack for at least 30 minutes before boxing them. [A4]
4. 4

   Get it to the lab

   Shipping

   • Ship as soon as possible, using ArminLabs' express logistics or the carrier your kit directs. [A1]
   • Stability: antibody serum up to 14 days, EliSpot and immune profile up to 3 days, PCR up to 5 days. [A1]
   • US shipping details are not published. Follow the instructions in your kit.