Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody, Serum (Quantitative)
This test measures the presence of antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. Antibodies develop after infection and can help confirm past exposure.
["This test helps diagnose or rule out Lyme disease by detecting immune system responses to the bacteria."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110075-9
- Short code
- COXPH2
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph2 Ab Msmt Ser
- 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
- Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 122450004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a bullseye rash (erythema migrans), flu-like illness, or joint/muscle pain. It’s also used to check for past infection in people with ongoing symptoms or those exposed to ticks.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results indicate a likely past infection with *Borrelia burgdorferi*. However, false positives can occur, so results are often confirmed with additional testing. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found, but this doesn’t always rule out Lyme disease—other tests may be needed.
How the Test Works
The lab uses an immunoassay method to detect IgG antibodies specific to the bacterium. These antibodies are part of your immune response and can remain in your blood for months or years after infection.
Reference range
Negative: <1:16; Equivocal: 1:16; Positive: ≥1:32 (titers vary by laboratory)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Acute and convalescent samples (2-4 weeks apart) are recommended for accurate serological diagnosis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Borrelia IgG Antibody
Frequently asked questions
Can this test detect Lyme disease if I’ve been treated before?
What if my test result is positive but I don’t have symptoms?
How long does it take to get 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