The test provides results in an hour at the point of care, compared to the standard laboratory tests which have to be performed in a commercial laboratory. This means that a probable diagnosis can be made quicker and initiation of treatment with antibiotics started immediately. The test, the PreVue B. burgdorferi Antibody Detection Assay, is intended to be used as the first step in testing people suspected of having Lyme disease. Positive results must be confirmed with a Western blot test done by a laboratory. Two-stage testing is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
Antigenic proteins developed by recombinant DNA techniques allow for more accuracy.
FDA 's clearance of the PreVue test was based on results of clinical studies conducted by the manufacturer at clinics and physician offices. Copyright 1997-1999 Target Health Inc.