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What is this test?

The Borrelia burgdorferi IgM Antibody test looks for IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies in your joint fluid (synovial fluid). IgM antibodies are the first type of antibodies your body produces when it fights a new infection. This test helps determine if your joint problem is caused by Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by tick bites.

Why might I need this test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of Lyme disease arthritis, such as joint swelling, pain, or stiffness—particularly in the knees, shoulders, or elbows. You may also have a history of tick bite or the characteristic bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans). This test is specifically used when Lyme disease is suspected to have spread to the joints.

How is the sample collected?

A healthcare provider will collect a small amount of fluid from your affected joint using a needle—a procedure called joint aspiration or arthrocentesis. The area will be cleaned and numbed to minimize discomfort. The fluid is then sent to a laboratory for testing.

What do the results mean?

A positive IgM result suggests a recent or early infection, as IgM antibodies typically appear within 2-4 weeks after being bitten by an infected tick. A negative result does not completely rule out Lyme disease, especially if the infection is in its early stages or has progressed beyond the window for IgM detection. Your provider will consider your symptoms, exposure history, and possibly other test results (like IgG antibodies) to make a diagnosis.