IgG antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi (ELISA) with confirmatory testing
This test measures antibodies in your blood that may indicate exposure to the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness.
["Lyme disease antibodies can help diagnose infection if symptoms are present."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7831-1
- Short code
- COXPH1M
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 IgM Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer 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
- 396721001
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, or a rash (like a bullseye rash) that could suggest Lyme disease, especially after a tick bite or in areas where Lyme is common. It may also be used for screening or monitoring in high-risk individuals.
What to Expect During the Test
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort afterward. The test involves two steps: an initial screening (ELISA) and a follow-up confirmatory test if needed.
What the Results Mean
Positive results suggest the presence of antibodies, which may indicate past or current infection. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found. Results alone don’t confirm Lyme disease—your doctor will consider symptoms, medical history, and other factors.
Common Symptoms Linked to Lyme Disease
Lyme disease often starts with flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue) followed by skin rashes, joint pain, or neurological issues. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16; Equivocal: 1:16–1:32; Positive: ≥1:64. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and should be interpreted alongside phase 2 antibody titers and clinical findings.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Patients should inform the ordering provider of any recent antibiotic use (especially tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones) as these may affect antibody response. Avoid hemolyzed or lipemic specimens.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lyme disease antibody panel (ELISA + confirmatory)
Frequently asked questions
This test helps diagnose Lyme disease by detecting antibodies produced by your immune system after exposure to *Borrelia burgdorferi*. While antibodies appear after infection, they may take weeks to develop, so symptoms alone aren’t enough for a diagnosis. Confirmatory tests ensure accuracy, especially in cases where initial results are borderline.
A positive result means your blood contains antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, which could indicate past infection. However, antibodies don’t always mean you’re currently sick. Your doctor will discuss next steps, such as retesting or starting treatment if needed.
Yes, a negative test means no detectable antibodies were found at the time of testing. Lyme disease can sometimes be missed if antibodies haven’t developed yet (early infection) or if the test isn’t the right type for your situation. Symptoms and medical advice are key.
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