Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody by Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFA) Titration
This test measures the level of antibodies against *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, using a blood sample. It helps determine if you’ve been exposed to the infection.
["This test helps diagnose Lyme disease by checking for past or current exposure to the Lyme bacteria."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43050-4
- Short code
- COXPH1
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 Ab Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST), red top tube, or tiger top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 419953009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, or a rash (e.g., bull’s-eye rash) that could be linked to Lyme disease. It’s also used to confirm a diagnosis when other tests are inconclusive or if symptoms persist after treatment. Blood samples are taken from a vein in your arm.
How the Test Works
The test uses a process called immunofluorescence to detect antibodies in your blood. A small amount of your blood is mixed with a solution containing *Borrelia burgdorferi* antigens. If antibodies are present, they bind to the antigens, and a fluorescent dye marks them for detection under a microscope. The result is reported as a titer value, which indicates the highest dilution of your blood where antibodies were detected.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if instructed by your provider. Wear comfortable clothing and bring any medications you’re currently taking. Avoid heavy meals or alcohol before the blood draw.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll lie down on a table, and a healthcare provider will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood. The process usually takes a few minutes. You may feel a brief pinch, but most people tolerate it well. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16. Phase 1 IgG antibody titer ≥1:200 is supportive of chronic Q fever infection in compatible clinical context.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Borrelia IgG Antibody Titer
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my test results?
Can I have a false positive on this test?
What if my test is positive but I don’t have Lyme disease symptoms?
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