Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Antibody, Serum (Qualitative Immunoassay)

What This Test Measures

The test identifies antibodies produced by your immune system in response to exposure to *Borrelia burgdorferi*. Antibodies are proteins your body makes to fight infections. If you’ve been exposed to the bacterium, these antibodies may be detected in your blood. This test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you if antibodies are present or not, rather than measuring their exact amount.

How the Test Works

Your blood serum is tested using an immunoassay method, which detects specific antibodies against *Borrelia burgdorferi*. This method is sensitive and designed to identify even low levels of these antibodies, helping to confirm past infection or exposure.

When You Might Need This Test

A healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of Lyme disease (such as fever, rash, or joint pain) after being bitten by a tick in an endemic area, or if you’ve lived in or traveled to a region where Lyme disease is common. It can also be used for screening or monitoring in certain clinical settings.

Limitations and Considerations

This test cannot diagnose Lyme disease directly—it only indicates whether your body has produced antibodies to the bacterium. False positives can occur, especially in people with other infections or autoimmune conditions. A positive result should be followed up with clinical evaluation and possibly additional testing, such as a Western blot, for confirmation.