Bburgdoriggigmwreflextoibpnlser
This blood test detects antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, transmitted through tick bites.
{"This test checks for IgM and IgG antibodies to Lyme disease bacteria","A positive result may be confirmed with a follow-up immune blot test","Early detection is important for effective treatment","Symptoms include bull's-eye rash, fever, headache, and joint pain","Testing is recommended if you have been bitten by a tick or have Lyme disease symptoms"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 62341-3
- Short code
- LYMEIG
- Synonyms
- B burgdor IgG+IgM W reflex to IB pnl Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST); red-top tube also acceptable
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Two-tiered testing: Initial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM antibodies; if screen is positive or equivocal, reflex to Western blot (immune blot) for confirmation of IgG and IgM antibodies
- CPT
- 86618 (Borrelia burgdorferi antibody); reflex 86617x2 (IgG and IgM Western blot) when applicable
- SNOMED
- 122620004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer 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
- 50
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Borrelia burgdorferi IgG+IgM test is a blood test that detects antibodies against the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. IgM antibodies appear first (usually within 1-2 weeks), while IgG antibodies develop later (within 4-6 weeks). If the initial screening test is positive, a confirmatory immune blot (Western blot) is performed to ensure accuracy.
Why do I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if: you have been bitten by a tick and develop symptoms such as a bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans), fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain; you live in or have traveled to an area where Lyme disease is common; or you have unexplained symptoms that may be related to Lyme disease after a potential tick exposure.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is tested for IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. If the result is positive or borderline, an immune blot test will be performed for confirmation.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported as positive, negative, or equivocal. A positive IgM result early in infection suggests recent exposure. A positive IgG result indicates a later stage of infection or past exposure. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in context of your symptoms, exposure history, and timing of the test.
What do I need to know before the test?
No special preparation is needed for this test. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about any recent tick bites, symptoms you are experiencing, and your travel history. If you are taking antibiotics or have been treated for Lyme disease before, inform your provider as this may affect the test results.
Reference range
Negative (no antibodies detected). Positive or equivocal screen results reflex to immune blot confirmation. Western blot interpretation: IgG positive if 5 or more of the 10 bands (18, 21, 28, 30, 39, 41, 45, 58, 66, 93 kDa) are reactive; IgM positive if 2 or more of the 3 bands (23, 39, 41 kDa) are reactive per CDC/ASTPHLD criteriaN/A
No special patient preparation required. Patient should be informed that serologic testing for Lyme disease is most reliable when performed 2-4 weeks after suspected tick exposure or onset of symptoms (erythema migrans), as antibodies may not be detectable in early infection
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a tick bite can this test detect infection?
Can I have Lyme disease if the test is negative?
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can the test tell me if I had Lyme disease in the past?
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