Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody (Serum) – Quantitative
This test measures the level of IgG antibodies your body produces in response to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. Antibodies help your immune system recognize and fight infections.
["Detecting IgG antibodies can help diagnose Lyme disease or assess past exposure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31315-5
- Short code
- COX2M
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph2 IgM Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) or Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 12254005
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum stable at 2-8°C for 7 days; for prolonged 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
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
IgG antibodies are a type of protein produced by your immune system to fight infections. In this test, we measure the concentration of these antibodies specific to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. If you have been exposed to the bacteria, your body may produce these antibodies over time. This test helps determine if your immune system has recognized the infection, even if symptoms have already passed or are no longer present.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of Lyme disease (such as fever, rash, or joint pain) or if you live in an area where Lyme disease is common. It can also be used to check for past exposure if you suspect you may have been infected.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect IgG antibodies against *Borrelia burgdorferi*. This process typically takes a few days to complete.
What Are Possible Results?
A positive result means your blood contains detectable IgG antibodies to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, suggesting past exposure. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found in your sample. Results may vary depending on when after exposure testing is done, so follow-up testing may be needed if symptoms persist.
Reference range
Negative: Phase 2 IgM antibodies not detected. Positive results suggest acute or recent Coxiella burnetii infection (Q fever).N/A
No fasting required. No special patient preparation needed prior to specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
IgG Antibody to Lyme Disease Spirochete
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Can This Test Be Used to Confirm Lyme Disease?
What If My Test Result Is Positive?
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