1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Pathogen detection – blood smear, dark-field microscopy, thick droplet [spirochetes?]* ; culture (difficult).
* Suspected diagnosis should be confirmed at a reference center for Borrelia by PCR (polymerase chain reaction).
The pathogen detection of Borrelia recurrentis (spirochetes) in connection with an acute infection is reportable by name according to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG).
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Small blood count
- Differential blood count
- Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or PCT (procalcitonin).
- Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT, GGT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin.
- Renal parameters – urea, creatinine, cystatin C or creatinine clearance, if necessary.
- Blood cultures
