Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody, Serologic Test (Screen)
This blood test checks for antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, which spreads through tick bites. Antibodies develop after exposure and can help diagnose infection.
["Detects past or current Lyme disease exposure via immune system markers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31311-4
- Short code
- COXPH1
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 Ab Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST), red-top tube, or gold-top tiger tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 800 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 31311-4
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Lyme disease is caused by *Borrelia burgdorferi* bacteria, transmitted primarily through tick bites. This test identifies antibodies your immune system produces after infection, which can occur even if symptoms are mild or delayed. Early detection is key to managing symptoms and preventing complications like joint pain or heart issues.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is tested using an immunoassay method to detect IgG antibodies specific to *Borrelia burgdorferi*. These antibodies signal your body’s immune response to the bacteria, often appearing weeks to months after exposure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Bring any recent tick bite history or symptoms (e.g., fever, rash, muscle aches) to discuss with your provider. If you’re at higher risk (e.g., outdoor work, travel to tick-heavy areas), mention it to your doctor.
Possible Results and Next Steps
A positive result means your body has detected antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, suggesting past or current infection. A negative result excludes active infection but doesn’t rule out exposure. Follow-up testing (e.g., confirmatory assays) may be recommended if symptoms persist.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16 (Phase I IgG); Titers ≥1:200 with Phase II suggest chronic Q fever; Phase I titers >1:800 are diagnostic of chronic Q fever endocarditis. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and clinical presentation; acute vs. chronic infection must be interpreted alongside Phase II antibody results.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about recent antibiotic use, as early treatment may suppress antibody response. Acute and convalescent samples (2-4 weeks apart) are recommended for seroconversion documentation.
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?
Can I get Lyme disease even if my test is negative?
How soon after exposure can I expect a positive result?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy