Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test

A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It gives your provider a broad picture of your overall health and can help detect a wide range of conditions, from infections and anemia to blood disorders.

The Borrelia burgdorferi antibody test is a blood test that looks for IgM and IgG antibodies in your serum against the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. This test uses recombinant antigens VlsE1 and pepC10 to detect the immune response to Lyme disease infection.

Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, to look into symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, bruising, or unusual bleeding, or to monitor an ongoing condition like anemia or infection. It is also used to track how treatments, such as chemotherapy, are affecting your blood cells over time.

Your healthcare provider may order this test if: you have been bitten by a tick and developed symptoms of Lyme disease, you have a characteristic bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans), or you have symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and joint pain that may suggest Lyme disease. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent complications.

The test is done with a simple blood draw, usually from a vein in your arm. A nurse or phlebotomist will clean the site, place a band around your upper arm, and collect a small sample into a tube. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you can return to your normal activities right afterward.

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then tested in a laboratory using immunoassay techniques to detect the presence and levels of IgM and IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. The test is typically done in two stages: an initial screening test, followed by confirmatory testing (such as Western blot) if the screening is positive or equivocal.

Results show whether your blood cell counts fall within normal ranges. A high white blood cell count may suggest an infection or inflammation, while a low red blood cell count can point to anemia. Abnormal platelet levels may affect how your blood clots. Your provider will interpret your values together with your symptoms and medical history.

Results are reported as positive, negative, or equivocal for IgM and IgG antibodies. A positive IgM result early in infection suggests recent exposure. A positive IgG result typically indicates infection for several weeks or longer. However, interpretation should be done by your healthcare provider considering your symptoms, exposure history, and timing of the test.