* Lyme Antigen Test by Flow Cytometry *

The Central Florida Research laboratory is located in Lake Alfred, Florida and is replacing the laboratory operations of the Bowen Research and Training Institute, Inc. Central Florida Research, Inc. is a state licensed CLIA approved laboratory and is dedicated to the research of Lyme disease and other (CSID) Chronic, Systemic, Infectious Diseases. The Bowen Technique is still a viable part of Bowen Research & Training Institute, Inc.
 
Antigen tests detect the organism itself and, unlike antibody tests, antigen tests aren't dependent upon a ‘sick’ immune system to produce antibodies.  The Central Florida Research laboratory in Lake Alfred, Florida is doing antigen testing.  CFR's antigen test is a one of a kind.  It is a direct fluorescent antibody test using a special kind of technique called Flow Cytometry.  This Flow Cytometer is a specific instrument designed to identify bacteria   50,000 events are counted in one minute and the number of bacteria reacting with the Borrelia burgdorferi fluorescent antibody are enumerated in a diluted blood specimen and reported as a percent.

The Flow Cytometer enumerates fluorescing events. The results are expressed as ≤0.02% negative, 0.03% borderline positive , ≥0.04 positive. The Borrelia burgdorferi Direct Fluorescent Antibody by Flow Cytometer test is the most definitive test of its kind available today. Since Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete, an antigen test is more accurate in detecting its presence in the blood than a test detecting antibodies.. The Flow Cytometry test from Central Florida Research is most beneficial in detecting Borrelia burgdorferi the causative agent for Lyme disease.

Understanding the microbiology behind the spirochete and cyst form of Borrelia burgdorferi and its ability to hide from our immune system, helps us understand the Lyme Disease controversies and the complications for testing for the bacteria.  If the antibodies a person's body normally produces against an invading pathogen aren't always present, then we must have a test that detects the antigen. However, the antibody test(s) are accurate. If an antibody is developed, the test will detect it. Patients with Lyme disease do not always develop antibodies. The antibodies may disappear over a period of time. Testing for the spirochetes in blood presents a problem because spirochetes may be present in such minute numbers that it is difficult to get a sample with the spirochete present.  The antigen test detects the spirochete as a spirochete or cyst. If the test is negative by Flow Cytometry, it does not mean that the patient does not have Lyme disease. The spirochete may not be present in the sample of blood collected or the number may be too small and the amount tested did not detect the microorganism. Symptoms are still the physician’s greatest diagnostic tool, when used in conjunction with clinical testing.

Since Borrelia burgdorferi Direct Fluorescent Antibody by Flow Cytometry is an antigen test, the result is  more accurate in detecting its presence in the blood than a test for antibodies.