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What is this test?

The Borrelia burgdorferi 25kD Antibody Immunoblot test is a specialized blood test that detects antibodies specifically targeting the 25kD protein (known as OspC or Outer Surface Protein C) of the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Unlike simple screening tests, the immunoblot (also called Western Blot) can identify antibodies to individual bacterial proteins, providing more detailed information about your immune response.

Why is the 25kD protein important?

The 25kD protein (OspC) is one of the first antigens (substances that trigger immune response) produced by Borrelia burgdorferi during early infection. This makes the 25kD antibody test particularly valuable for detecting recent or early-stage Lyme disease, when other tests may still be negative. The presence of antibodies to this specific protein helps confirm that your immune system has responded to the Lyme disease bacterium.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. In the laboratory, the sample is tested using immunoblot technique, which separates the bacterial proteins by size and then detects whether your blood contains antibodies that bind to the 25kD protein. Results are typically reported as 'positive' or 'negative' for the presence of antibodies to this specific protein.

What do the results mean?

A positive result means antibodies to the 25kD protein were detected in your blood, suggesting you have been exposed to the Lyme disease bacterium. A negative result means no antibodies to this protein were found. However, it is important to understand that this is just one part of Lyme disease testing—results should always be interpreted by your healthcare provider along with your symptoms, exposure history, and other test results.