Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody (Serum) - Fluorescent Immunoassay
This test detects antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, using a fluorescent immunoassay method. It helps determine if your immune system has been exposed to the bacteria.
["This test checks for past or current Lyme disease infection by measuring antibodies in your serum."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49186-0
- Short code
- COXPH1
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 IgG Titr Fld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; serum aliquoted into sterile cryovial
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 799.99 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 122445006
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days; Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test identifies antibodies produced by your immune system in response to *Borrelia burgdorferi*. These antibodies can appear after infection and may persist for months or years. The fluorescent immunoassay detects these antibodies by binding them to a labeled probe, which fluoresces under specific light conditions.
How the Test Works
Your serum sample is tested in a lab setting. The test involves exposing the sample to a fluorescent probe that targets *Borrelia burgdorferi* antibodies. If antibodies are present, they bind to the probe, causing fluorescence that is measured and recorded.
Why It’s Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of Lyme disease (e.g., fever, rash, joint pain) or if you’ve been exposed to ticks. It can also be used as part of a broader evaluation for chronic symptoms that may be linked to past infection.
Symptoms and Exposure
Lyme disease symptoms can vary widely and may include rash, fatigue, muscle aches, neurological issues, or heart problems. If you’ve had a tick bite or live in an area with high tick activity, this test may be recommended to assess potential exposure.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16; Positive: ≥1:16. Phase 1 IgG titers ≥1:200 are typically suggestive of chronic Q fever, especially chronic endocarditis. Phase 1 IgG titers ≥1:800 are highly suggestive of chronic Q fever.N/A
No fasting required. Acute and convalescent serum samples (collected 2-4 weeks apart) are recommended for seroconversion documentation in suspected acute Q fever. For chronic Q fever evaluation, a single serum sample is generally adequate.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Anti-Borrelia IgG Fluorescent Immunoassay
Frequently asked questions
This test is primarily used to diagnose Lyme disease when early symptoms are present or to confirm infection in cases where other tests (like the Western blot) are needed. Positive results indicate exposure to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, but they don’t always mean you have active infection. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
How long will it take to get results? Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times.
Can I take antibiotics before this test? If you suspect Lyme disease, avoid antibiotics unless prescribed by your doctor, as they may affect test results.
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