Bburgdoriggigmpnlser
A blood test that detects antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
{"Tests for IgM (early infection) and IgG (later infection) antibodies","Used to diagnose Lyme disease after a tick bite or symptoms","Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm","Results are typically available within a few days","A positive result may need confirmation with additional testing"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34942-3
- Short code
- LYMEAB
- Synonyms
- B burgdor IgG+IgM Pnl Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube (no anticoagulant). Gel barrier tubes are acceptable. Plasma collected in EDTA or heparin tubes may be used for some assay platforms.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Two-tier testing algorithm: Initial screening by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM antibodies, followed by confirmatory Western blot or immunoblot for positive or equivocal screening results. Some laboratories use modified two-tier testing (MTTT) with a second EIA in place of Western blot.
- CPT
- 86618 (Borrelia burgdorferi antibody); 86617 (Western blot confirmation, if performed). MTTT methodology: 86618 (initial EIA) and 86618 (second EIA).
- SNOMED
- 115006001 (Borrelia burgdorferi antibody measurement)
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL). For pediatric patients, minimum 0.3 mL serum is acceptable.
- Stability
- Serum is stable for 7 days at 2-8°C and for 1 month at -20°C or below. Freeze-thaw cycles should be minimized. Room temperature stability is limited to 24 hours. For prolonged storage, maintain at -70°C.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
这是什么测试？
The Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM panel is a blood test that checks for antibodies against the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. The test measures two types of antibodies: IgM (immunoglobulin M), which appear first during infection, and IgG (immunoglobulin G), which develop later and persist longer. This test helps doctors determine if you have been infected with Lyme disease bacteria.
During the test, a healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians look for specific antibodies that your immune system produces in response to the Lyme disease bacteria.
Reference range
Negative: No antibodies detected. IgG Negative: <5 units; IgG Equivocal: 5-9 units; IgG Positive: >9 units. IgM Negative: <5 units; IgM Equivocal: 5-9 units; IgM Positive: >9 units. Reference ranges vary by laboratory methodology and assay manufacturer. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings including history of tick exposure, erythema migrans rash, and neurological or arthritic symptoms consistent with Lyme disease.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about recent antibiotic use, current immunosuppressive therapy, or recent vaccination which may affect antibody response. Collection is typically performed 2-4 weeks after suspected tick exposure or symptom onset to allow adequate antibody development.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The Lyme disease antibody test is primarily used to diagnose Lyme disease, especially in patients who have been bitten by ticks or live in areas where Lyme disease is common. A positive IgM result typically indicates early infection, appearing within 3-4 weeks after a tick bite. A positive IgG result usually indicates a later stage of infection or past exposure, as IgG antibodies can remain in the blood for months or even years. However, the test has limitations: antibodies may not appear until several weeks after infection, so early testing can be negative. Additionally, the test may cross-react with antibodies from other conditions, leading to false-positive results. Doctors often interpret results alongside clinical symptoms, exposure history, and sometimes perform additional confirmatory tests like Western blot.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need both IgG and IgM tests?
How long after a tick bite should I wait to get tested?
What do my results mean?
Is the test painful?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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