Borrelia burgdorferi Antibody, Titration (Serum)
This test measures the level of antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, by comparing your sample to a standard dilution. It helps determine if your immune system has detected and responded to the infection.
["This test helps confirm Lyme disease exposure by checking antibody levels at different dilutions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29774-7
- Short code
- COX1CF
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 Ab Titr Ser CF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top Vacutainer tube; serum aliquot transferred to sterile cryovial for transport
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 800 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- comp-fix
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 1153300004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Hemolyzed or lipemic specimens may yield unreliable results.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, or a bullseye rash (erythema migrans) that could suggest Lyme disease. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress or check for past exposure.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken and tested using an immunoassay method. The test compares your antibody levels to a known standard at multiple dilutions to assess exposure to *Borrelia burgdorferi*.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider about any medications or conditions that could affect results, such as recent antibiotic use or autoimmune diseases.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a dilution factor (e.g., 1:100, 1:10,000). Higher values suggest a stronger immune response to the bacterium. Consult your provider for interpretation, as results alone don’t confirm Lyme disease without clinical correlation.
Reference range
Negative: Titer < 1:16; Indeterminate: Titer 1:16 to 1:32; Positive: Titer >= 1:64. Phase I antibody titers >= 1:200 are suggestive of chronic Q fever when persistent for >3 months.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed that the test detects antibodies to Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. Acute and convalescent serum samples (drawn 2-4 weeks apart) are recommended for seroconversion documentation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate past or current infection, but symptoms alone aren’t enough to diagnose Lyme disease. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications like joint or nerve damage. Follow-up testing may be needed if symptoms persist or recur.
Short name
Borrelia Antibody Titration
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I have my blood drawn at home?
Does this test detect all stages of Lyme disease?
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