Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody by Immunoassay (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. It helps diagnose infections caused by ticks.
["This test checks for past or ongoing Lyme disease exposure by measuring immune system antibodies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 41840-0
- Short code
- COXPH12
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1+2 IgG Pnl Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 122450004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Lyme disease is spread through bites from infected ticks, often in wooded or grassy areas. Early detection can prevent complications like joint pain, heart issues, or nerve damage. This test helps confirm whether your symptoms may be related to Lyme disease.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is tested using an immunoassay (a lab method that detects specific antibodies). If your body has encountered *Borrelia burgdorferi*, your immune system will produce IgG antibodies that this test can identify.
When You Might Need This Test
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve had a tick bite, live in a Lyme-disease risk area, or experience symptoms like fever, rash, muscle aches, or neurological issues (e.g., headaches, numbness). It’s also used to monitor treatment progress.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a simple blood draw, usually from your arm, and the results will be reviewed by your doctor.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16 for Phase 1 IgG and Phase 2 IgG. Phase 2 IgG titer >1:200 and/or Phase 1 IgG titer >1:800 is suggestive of chronic Q fever infection. Phase 2 IgG titer >1:200 with Phase 1 IgG <1:800 suggests acute Q fever infection.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
IgG Antibody to Lyme Disease Spirochete
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
What does a negative result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy