Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody by Immunofluorescence Assay (Serum)

This test measures the level of a specific substance in your blood, helping your doctor understand how well a particular organ or body system is working and whether any further care is needed.

The test looks for antibodies produced by your immune system in response to *Borrelia burgdorferi*. If you’ve been exposed to the bacterium, your body may create these antibodies, which the test can detect. This doesn’t always mean you have an active infection, but it can indicate past exposure or early-stage Lyme disease.

During this test, a small sample of your blood is collected from a vein, usually in your arm, and sent to a laboratory where specialized equipment measures the amount of the substance being tested.

Your blood serum is analyzed using immunofluorescence, a method that identifies specific antibodies against *Borrelia burgdorferi* by binding to labeled antigens on a microscope slide. If antibodies are present, they’ll light up under a microscope, confirming a positive result.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms that suggest a health problem, if you have an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring, or as part of a routine checkup to keep track of your overall health.

Doctors may recommend this test if you’ve had symptoms of Lyme disease (e.g., fever, rash, joint pain) after a tick bite, especially in areas where Lyme is common. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress or check for past exposure.

Before your test, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription medications, vitamins, or supplements you take, since some of these can affect the results. In most cases you can follow your normal daily routine, and your care team will let you know if any special preparation is needed.

No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a simple blood draw, usually from your arm, and the serum portion is tested for antibodies. Results are typically ready within a few days to a week.