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Bburgdorc6abserql

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

This test detects C6 antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, to help diagnose if you have been infected.

Quick summary

{"The C6 antibody test checks your blood for immune response to Lyme disease bacteria","It is used to confirm or rule out Lyme disease infection","A positive result means your immune system has produced antibodies against the Lyme disease bacterium","Testing is typically done when symptoms suggest possible Lyme disease, such as a bull's-eye rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57916-9
Short code
LYC6
Synonyms
B burgdor C6 Ab Ser Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for detection of antibodies against the C6 peptide of Borrelia burgdorferi
CPT
86618
SNOMED
122451000146102
Specimen volume
1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
Stability
Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
100
Lipemia max
100
Icterus max
40
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Borrelia burgdorferi C6 Antibody test is a blood test that looks for specific antibodies called C6 antibodies in your serum. These antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to an infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. This test determines whether these antibodies are present (positive) or absent (negative) in your blood.

Reference range

Negative (antibodies to C6 peptide not detected). Positive results indicate exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi and may suggest Lyme disease. Equivocal results should be retested or confirmed with supplemental testing (e.g., Western blot or modified two-tier testing).N/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. No special patient preparation is necessary. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of antibiotics when possible to maximize diagnostic yield.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans), fever, headache, fatigue, or muscle aches, especially if you remember being bitten by a tick or have been in areas where Lyme disease is common.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means C6 antibodies were detected in your blood, suggesting you have been infected with the Lyme disease bacterium at some point. A negative result means no antibodies were detected, which could mean you do not have Lyme disease, or you were tested too early for antibodies to develop. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your symptoms and exposure history.
Is there any preparation needed?
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You can eat and drink normally before the test. Simply inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days, but this may vary depending on the laboratory. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results.
  1. 1
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Lyme Disease TestingSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Lyme Disease TestsSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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