IGeneX
Blood collection kit (Lyme, tick-borne)
IGeneX blood collection kit guide: which tubes each Lyme and tick-borne panel needs, IGXSpot same day rules, room temperature FedEx shipping.
Specimen
Blood
Tubes / kit
The Test Requisition Form, with the tests marked off by your physician
Processing
From IGeneX: [I1]
Shipping
Drop it at a FedEx location. The prepaid 2 Day label is already attached.
Overview
About this kit
IGeneX is a specialty lab in Milpitas, CA, that tests for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. It ships a blood collection kit for US patients. [I1]
IGeneX offers Lyme ImmunoBlot panels, tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) panels, tick-borne disease panels, co-infection panels (Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma, Rickettsia), IGXSpot, and culture-enhanced PCR (cePCR) panels. Each panel lists the tubes it needs. For example, Lyme ImmunoBlot Panel 1 (IB1L) needs 1 SST, and Panel 3 (IB3L) needs 1 SST and 1 EDTA. [I1]
The process
Step by step
- 1
Before the visit
Prep
- IGeneX's sheet lists no fasting rule. Most specimens can be collected at any time. The exception is IGXSpot and cePCR, which have day of week rules (below). [I1] Ask your physician about medications.
- 2
The draw
Draw
- From IGeneX's domestic kit instructions: [I1]
- Check the requisition for each tube your panels need.
- Draw enough blood to give the sample volume required:
- SST 8.5 mL (serum)
- EDTA 6.0 mL lavender top (whole blood)
- Sodium heparin 6.0 mL dark green top (whole blood), for IGXSpot
- Label each tube with the patient's last name, first name, collection date and date of birth. Unlabeled tubes are not accepted.
- Fill in the "Drawing Laboratory" and "Specimen Information" sections on the requisition.
- Order of draw is not published on the sheet. Follow the instructions in your kit.
- 3
Right after collection
Processing
- From IGeneX: [I1]
- | Tube | Process |
- |---|---|
- | SST | Let stand 15 minutes, then centrifuge. |
- | Lavender EDTA | Invert gently 8 to 10 times. Do not shake. |
- | Dark green heparin | Invert gently 8 to 10 times. Do not shake. |
- Spin speed and duration for the SST are not published. Follow the instructions in your kit.
- IGXSpot (Lyme and Bartonella) and cePCR: these samples are time sensitive. Draw and ship the same day, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday only. Ship at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. The lab must receive them within 48 hours. [I1]
- 4
Get it to the lab
Shipping
- From IGeneX: [I1]
- Tighten all caps, put the tubes in the foam slots, and put the foam in the biohazard bag.
- Put the bag, the completed requisition, and any other forms in the collection box.
- Put the box in the FedEx Pak and seal it. Keep the FedEx receipt for tracking.
- Drop it at a FedEx location. The prepaid 2 Day label is already attached.
At a glance
Tube and processing details
| Specimen |
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|---|---|
| Tubes and kit contents |
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| Processing |
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| Shipping |
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Avoid a redraw
Common mistakes
Questions
FAQ
Which tubes do I need?
It depends on the panel. Your requisition lists 1 or 2 SST, EDTA, and sometimes a heparin tube. [I1]
Can I draw on any day?
Most tests, yes. IGXSpot and cePCR are Monday to Wednesday only, drawn and shipped the same day. [I1]
Does the sample go on ice?
No. IGXSpot and cePCR ship at room temperature and must not be refrigerated or frozen. [I1]
How is it shipped?
FedEx 2 Day with the prepaid label on the Pak. [I1]
Are all panels available everywhere?
IGeneX marks some panels as not yet available for New York residents. [I1]
Ready to have your blood drawn at home?
A certified mobile phlebotomist comes to you and handles the tubes the way your kit requires.
Is your lab or kit missing?
Send us your collection instructions and we will build a guide.