Bburgdor49736igaseriaacnc
This blood test detects IgA antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
["Detects IgA antibodies specific to Lyme disease bacteria Helps diagnose Lyme disease, especially in later stages Usually performed alongside IgM and IgG antibody tests A positive result indicates exposure to Lyme disease bacteria Results should be interpreted by your healthcare provider"]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51744-1
- Short code
- BORR49736IgA
- Synonyms
- B burgdor 49736 IgA Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube with serum transfer to a sterile transport tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.8
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme Immunoassay/EIA)
- CPT
- 86617
- SNOMED
- 415623008
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? This test is a laboratory procedure that helps your healthcare provider screen for certain conditions, monitor an ongoing medical issue, or guide treatment decisions based on measurable values found in your sample.
The Borrelia burgdorferi IgA Antibody test is a blood test that looks for IgA antibodies in your blood serum. IgA antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium transmitted through tick bites that causes Lyme disease. This test uses immunoassay techniques to detect whether these specific antibodies are present in your blood.
How is the test performed? A trained healthcare professional will collect a small sample, such as blood, urine, or a swab, depending on what your provider has ordered. The collection usually takes only a few minutes, and the sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using immunoassay methods to detect IgA antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. You do not need to fast before this test, and it is typically combined with IgM and IgG antibody tests for a more complete picture of your immune response.
What do the results mean? Your results are compared with standard reference ranges, and your provider will explain whether the values fall within the expected range. Abnormal results do not always indicate a serious problem, so follow-up testing may be needed to confirm the findings.
Results are typically reported as positive or negative. A positive result indicates that IgA antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were detected in your blood, suggesting recent or past exposure to the Lyme disease bacterium. A negative result means no IgA antibodies were detected, which could mean you have not been infected, or that the infection is very early (before antibodies have developed). It's important to note that no test is 100% accurate, and results should always be interpreted in conjunction with your symptoms, medical history, and other test results by your healthcare provider.
Are there any risks? This test is generally very safe. You may feel mild, temporary discomfort such as soreness or a small bruise at the sample collection site. Serious complications are rare, but contact your provider if you notice unusual swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection.
The risks associated with this test are minimal and similar to any routine blood draw. You may experience slight bruising, soreness, or bleeding at the puncture site. In rare cases, fainting or infection may occur. These side effects are generally temporary and resolve quickly.
Reference range
Negative: <0.8; Equivocal: 0.8-1.0; Positive: >1.0 (results vary by laboratory and assay platform)N/A
No special preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of antibiotics when possible to aid in diagnosis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The IgA antibody test for Lyme disease is clinically significant because IgA antibodies typically appear later in the course of Lyme disease infection, often several weeks after the initial tick bite. This makes it particularly useful for detecting infections in later stages when IgM antibodies may have declined. The test helps healthcare providers confirm or rule out Lyme disease in patients with symptoms such as the characteristic bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans), fever, headache, fatigue, and joint or muscle pain. It is important to note that the CDC recommends a two-step testing process, and this IgA test is typically used in conjunction with IgM and IgG tests for comprehensive evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
When do IgA antibodies appear in Lyme disease?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can this test diagnose early Lyme disease?
What if my IgA test is positive but I have no symptoms?
How long does it take to get results?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy