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Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody, Serum (Screen)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may indicate past or current infection by *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. Antibodies are your immune system’s way of recognizing and fighting the infection.

Quick summary

["Lyme disease can cause flu-like symptoms, joint pain, or neurological issues if untreated."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
49187-8
Short code
COX1IGA
Synonyms
C burnet Ph1 IgA Titr Fld
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or red-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
313326008
Specimen volume
1-2 mL serum
Stability
Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below
Hemolysis max
200
Lipemia max
100
Icterus max
50
TAT
48–96 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve had symptoms of Lyme disease, such as fever, rash (like a bullseye-shaped erythema migrans), joint pain, or neurological problems. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress or check for recurrence after treatment. Additionally, it may be part of a screening if you’ve been exposed to ticks in areas where Lyme disease is common.

What to Expect During the Test

A small needle will be used to draw blood from a vein in your arm. The process takes about 5 minutes. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause pain. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for testing.

What the Results Mean

Positive results suggest your immune system has detected *Borrelia burgdorferi* antibodies, which could mean you’ve had an infection at some point. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found in this sample. However, a negative result doesn’t always rule out Lyme disease, especially if symptoms are recent or testing was done too early. Follow-up testing or additional symptoms may guide further evaluation.

Possible Side Effects or Considerations

Most people experience only minor discomfort or bruising at the injection site. Rarely, there may be mild swelling or redness. If you’re pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or take certain medications (like steroids), let your provider know before testing.

Reference range

Negative: <1:16; Positive: ≥1:16 (titers may vary by laboratory)N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation 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

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through tick bites and can affect the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications like chronic arthritis or nerve damage. Antibody tests help confirm infection but aren’t always definitive right away, especially in early stages. If you suspect Lyme disease, symptoms, and test results will guide treatment decisions.
This test screens for antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi* but doesn’t directly detect the live bacteria. A positive result may require additional testing (like a confirmatory IgM test) to confirm infection. If you’ve been treated for Lyme disease, repeat testing may be needed to check for lingering antibodies or treatment effectiveness.
The test uses serum, which is the liquid part of blood after clotting. This is a common specimen type for antibody testing and is typically collected in a plain red-top tube. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know, as it may affect blood clotting and sample quality.
Lyme disease is most common in certain geographic regions (e.g., Northeast and Midwest U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia). If you’ve been in a high-risk area or had tick exposure, your provider may recommend this test even if you don’t have symptoms. Antibody levels can vary over time, so results should be interpreted in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
This test is not used to diagnose Lyme disease in all cases. Some people may have false negatives if tested too early after infection or if the infection is very mild. If you’re diagnosed with Lyme disease, your provider may recommend other tests (like PCR or culture) to confirm the diagnosis or monitor treatment progress.
No, this test does not require fasting. However, if you’re taking certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, immunosuppressants), or have conditions like liver disease, your provider may advise specific preparation. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for test preparation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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