Bafzburggariigmptrnserlineblot
A blood test that detects IgM antibodies against Borrelia bacteria that cause Lyme disease using line blot methodology.
{"Detects early immune response to Lyme disease infection","Tests for antibodies against three Borrelia species common in different regions","Positive IgM typically appears within 2-4 weeks after tick bite","Results should be interpreted with clinical symptoms and exposure history","A negative result does not rule out Lyme disease, especially in early stages"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87278-8
- Short code
- LYMEIGM
- Synonyms
- B afz+burg+gari IgM Ptrn Ser Line blot
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, tiger-top) or plain red-top tube; alternatively, serum may be aliquoted into a sterile cryovial for transport
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- line-blot
- CPT
- 86617
- SNOMED
- 395096001
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL); 5-10 mL whole blood collected in SST preferred
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature (15-25°C) for 8 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. For prolonged storage, -70°C is preferred.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Lyme Disease IgM Antibody Test (Line Blot) is a blood test that detects IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii—the three main species of bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The test uses a technique called line blot (or immunoblot), which can identify antibodies to specific bacterial proteins. IgM antibodies are the first type of antibodies your body produces in response to an infection, so this test is particularly useful for detecting early-stage Lyme disease.
When a tick infected with Borrelia bacteria bites you, the bacteria can enter your skin and eventually spread throughout your body. Your immune system responds by producing IgM antibodies first, followed by IgG antibodies. This test specifically looks for these IgM antibodies to determine if you have been recently infected with Lyme disease.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to antibiotic therapy when possible to avoid false-negative results. Avoid hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric specimens as they may interfere with immunoblot interpretation. Patient should be informed that IgM antibodies typically appear 1-2 weeks after tick bite and may persist for months.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive IgM result suggests a recent or early-stage Lyme disease infection. According to CDC guidelines, a positive IgM band pattern (typically showing antibodies to 2-3 specific proteins like OspC or flagellin) in the presence of characteristic symptoms (such as erythema migrans rash, fever, headache, fatigue) can support a Lyme disease diagnosis. However, IgM antibodies may also appear in other spirochetal infections or even in healthy individuals due to cross-reactivity, so clinical correlation is essential. A negative result does not rule out Lyme disease, as antibodies may not yet have developed in early infection or may have waned in later stages.
Frequently asked questions
Why are three different Borrelia species tested?
How soon after a tick bite can this test detect infection?
What does a positive IgM result mean?
Do I need to fast before this test?
If my IgM is negative but I still have symptoms, what should I do?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy