Bburgdorigaserqlib

What is this test?

The Borrelia burgdorferi IgA Antibody test is a specialized blood test that looks for IgA antibodies against the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Unlike more common screening tests, this test uses an immunoblot (also called Western blot) technique, which is more specific and can detect antibodies to individual proteins of the Lyme disease bacterium.

Why do I need this test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease, especially if you have been bitten by a tick or spent time in areas where Lyme disease is common. IgA antibodies typically appear later in the infection than IgM antibodies, so this test is particularly useful for detecting later stages of Lyme disease or confirming an ongoing infection.

How is the test performed?

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 technicians will use the immunoblot technique to detect IgA antibodies specific to Borrelia burgdorferi. This technique separates bacterial proteins by size and uses patient serum to detect if antibodies bind to these specific proteins.

What do the results mean?

Results are typically reported as 'Positive' or 'Negative'. A positive result means that IgA antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi were detected in your blood, indicating that you have been exposed to the Lyme disease bacterium. A negative result means no IgA antibodies were detected, which could mean you do not have Lyme disease, or that the infection is too early for antibodies to be detectable. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results together with your symptoms, medical history, and possibly other test results.