Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient's Guide to Testing, Results, and Preparation
This blood test detects specific antibodies (C6) against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, to help diagnose whether you have been infected.
{"The C6 antibody test is used to diagnose Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness","It detects immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria","A positive result indicates exposure to the Lyme disease bacterium","The test is performed on a blood sample (serum)","Results should be interpreted together with your symptoms and exposure history"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38173-1
- Short code
- LYMC6
- Synonyms
- B burgdor C6 Ab Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) detecting antibodies against the C6 peptide of Borrelia burgdorferi
- CPT
- 86618
- SNOMED
- 395236005
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 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
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? This diagnostic test helps your healthcare provider evaluate your overall health, screen for certain medical conditions, and guide appropriate treatment decisions.
The Borrelia burgdorferi C6 Antibody test is a blood test that looks for specific antibodies called C6 in your blood. C6 is a part of the outer surface protein of the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease. When your immune system detects this bacteria, it produces antibodies to fight it. This test detects whether your body has made these specific antibodies, indicating that you have been exposed to the Lyme disease bacteria.
How is the test performed? A trained healthcare professional will collect a small sample, usually a blood draw from a vein in your arm, and send it to a certified laboratory for analysis.
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is tested using a method called immunoassay, which can detect the presence of C6 antibodies in your serum (the liquid part of your blood).
What do the results mean? Your results show whether your values fall within the normal reference range, and your doctor will explain what any abnormal findings mean for your health.
Results are typically reported as positive or negative. A positive result means that C6 antibodies were detected in your blood, suggesting you have been infected with the Lyme disease bacteria. A negative result means no antibodies were detected. However, it can take several weeks after infection for antibodies to develop, so early infection may produce a false negative. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results along with your symptoms, medical history, and any known tick exposure.
Is any preparation needed? Depending on the specific test ordered, you may need to fast for several hours, avoid certain medications or supplements, and drink plenty of water beforehand.
No special preparation is typically needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally before having your blood drawn. However, always follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Negative: <0.91; Equivocal: 0.91-1.09; Positive: >1.09 (interpretation may vary by assay manufacturer)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should be informed that testing is most informative 2-4 weeks after suspected tick exposure or onset of symptoms. Acute and convalescent samples may be needed for seroconversion documentation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The C6 antibody test is primarily used to diagnose Lyme disease, especially in the later stages of infection. It is considered one of the more specific tests for Lyme disease because it targets the C6 protein, which is highly specific to Borrelia burgdorferi. This test helps differentiate between Lyme disease and other conditions with similar symptoms. Positive results, combined with clinical symptoms and exposure history, support a Lyme disease diagnosis and guide appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a tick bite can this test detect infection?
Do I need this test if I have the bull's eye rash (erythema migrans)?
Can the test tell me how long I've had Lyme disease?
Will a positive result always mean I have active Lyme disease?
Is the C6 test better than other Lyme disease tests?
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