Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody by Immunofluorescence (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, using serum or plasma. It helps diagnose past or current infection after exposure.
["This test checks for Lyme disease antibodies in your blood, aiding diagnosis after potential exposure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27951-3
- Short code
- COXPH1
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 Ab Titr Ser IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- 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
- Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 122330007
- 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
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test identifies the presence of IgG antibodies against *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium linked to Lyme disease. These antibodies develop in response to infection, typically appearing weeks to months after exposure. The method uses immunofluorescence to detect them in your serum or plasma sample.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, rash (e.g., bull’s-eye rash), joint pain, or neurological issues that could suggest Lyme disease. It’s also used to confirm a diagnosis after initial testing or monitor treatment progress.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed into serum (after clotting) or plasma (using an anticoagulant), then tested for antibodies. Results are reported as positive or negative for IgG antibodies.
What the Results Mean
A positive result indicates the presence of IgG antibodies, suggesting past infection or exposure. A negative result means no detectable antibodies at the time of testing. False negatives can occur early in infection or with early-stage disease; additional testing may be needed.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16 (Phase I IgG antibody titer). Titers ≥1:200 are suggestive of chronic Q fever infection. Titers of 1:16 to 1:128 may indicate past exposure or early acute infection.N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patient should inform the laboratory of any current antibiotic therapy as it may affect antibody titers.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Borrelia IgG Antibody
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to wait before retesting if my first result was negative?
Can this test detect early-stage Lyme disease?
What should I do if my test result is positive?
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