Approved clinical Lyme tests that are offered to us at this time are ‘indirect tests’ – meaning they do not directly test for the organism but rather signs from the body that an organism is present (e.g., antibodies). The direct test will be able to accurately identify whether or not you have the bacteria that causes Lyme versus a ‘false-positive’ or ‘false-negative’ that can result from using an indirect test. According to the company’s website, the direct test can identify the bacteria within days of initial infection and can also identify the bacteria at any time in the infection cycle, during and after a course of treatment, and in some cases of recurrent disease.

Ceres' Nanotrap^® Lyme Antigen Test uses Nanotrap^® technology, invented at George Mason University under funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for biomarker discovery applications. The test uses a person’s urine sample to directly measure Lyme antigens (in the form of a Bb specific protein that is shed by the organism) using a Western Blot format. Additional details about how the test works can be viewed here.

The Nanotrap^® Lyme Antigen Test is still going through FDA testing, so insurance will not reimburse for it yet. Currently, the cost of the test is $400 per person; however, Ceres has indicated that a discounted rate may be available depending on group interest. The test is currently available across the United States for physician offices to order for their patients and can be purchased from the link above. To discuss questions, including possible group discounts, please contact Ross Dunlap.

Ross M. Dunlap
Ceres Nanosciences
800-615-0418 ext. 202
rdunlap@ceresnano.com