Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 8, 2022 01:01 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Marty Flynn |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Required Notice for Lyme Disease Laboratory Tests |
| Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States; however, it is possible for someone who was infected with Lyme disease to receive a negative blood test. According to the CDC, most Lyme disease tests are designed to detect antibodies made by the body in response to infection. Antibodies for Lyme disease can take several weeks to develop, so patients may test negative if infected more recently. Additionally, antibodies normally persist in the blood for months, or even years, after the infection is gone; therefore, tests may yield a false positive even if the person is cured. My legislation would require health care providers to give notice to patients stating that the timing of laboratory testing for Lyme disease may result in a false negative or false positive result. This notice will also inform patients that a negative result does not necessarily confirm the absence of Lyme disease. Finally, the notice will instruct patients to contact a health care provider if unexplained symptoms continue. Maryland, Rhode Island, and Virginia have all enacted laws requiring this type of notice to patients being tested for Lyme disease. Please join me in supporting transparency in the Lyme disease laboratory testing process so that patients are well-informed in decisions regarding their health. |