Healthcare providers are important partners for the Lyme Disease Biobank (LDB). There are several ways healthcare providers can collaborate with LDB.
Healthcare providers may inform their patients about the LDB Tissue Collection Program. In 2018, LDB launched a donation program to study how Borrelia burgdorferi and other tick-borne infections invade tissues. We are collecting samples from surgeries, with a focus on joint replacements and other surgeries on a case-by-case basis, as well as post-mortem samples. These samples are made available to approved researchers who will look for evidence of infection and evidence of inflammation. The tissue program is provided at no cost to patients and families.
For more information about tissue donation visit NDRI’s Lyme registration page, or call 800-222-NDRI (6374), option 5. If you need immediate assistance, please call the number above (staff are available 24/7/365).
Click here for a printable flyer for your patients about the LDB Tissue Collection Program.
LDB also collaborates with healthcare providers as collection sites for blood and urine samples. We have a network of collection sites for early Lyme disease and chronic/persistent Lyme across the US.
Each site identifies, consents, and enrolls participants prior to drawing blood and completing case report forms. Sites have the option of submitting to their institution’s IRB or using LDB’s IRB protocol (Advarra IRB Pro00012408). LDB provides all of the materials including collection kits and compensates sites for their participation. Participants receive a $50 Amazon gift card as a thank you for their sample donation. LDB makes samples available to approved researchers creating better diagnostics for Lyme, and has supported >95 projects with samples. LDB provides training/logistical support to set up and sustain the collection process at our sites.
For additional information about how to become a collection site, please contact Liz Horn, PhD, MBI, Principal Investigator.
We would like to recognize and thank the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the LaureL STEM Fund, an anonymous donor, and the 2014 & 2018 LymeAid Fund-a-Need supporters who have contributed significantly to our Lyme Disease Biobank.
We are grateful to the participants who volunteered and donated samples.