Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Immunoglobulin (Serum) – Lyme Disease Antibody Test
This blood test detects antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, carried by ticks. It helps diagnose infection after exposure.
["This test checks for Lyme disease antibodies, which may appear weeks to months after tick bite exposure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48720-7
- Short code
- COXPH1G
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 IgG Ser Ql 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
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 122110008
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against *Borrelia burgdorferi*. These antibodies develop in your blood after your immune system has encountered the bacterium, typically after an initial infection. The test uses an immunoassay method to detect these antibodies in serum.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of Lyme disease (e.g., fever, rash, joint pain) or if you’ve had a tick bite in an area where Lyme disease is common. It’s also used to confirm a diagnosis in people with suspected late-stage Lyme disease.
When to Expect Results
Results may take several days to a week to process, depending on lab turnaround times. Follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss findings and next steps.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re nervous, let your provider know—some people find it helpful to bring distractions or ask about pain relief options.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16; Indeterminate: 1:16–1:64; Positive: ≥1:64 (Phase I IgG titers ≥1:200 suggest chronic Q fever; ≤1:50 suggest acute Q fever when paired with Phase II titers)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should inform provider of recent antibiotic therapy, immunosuppressive medications, or prior immunoglobulin administration, which may affect antibody titers.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgG Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a tick bite can this test detect Lyme disease?
Can this test be used to diagnose Lyme disease if I have no symptoms?
What if my test results are negative but I still 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy