IgG Antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease) by Immunoassay

What Does This Test Measure?

The test looks for IgG antibodies specific to *Borrelia burgdorferi*, a type of bacteria transmitted by ticks. These antibodies develop after your body has encountered the bacteria, either through infection or vaccination. The presence of these antibodies suggests exposure, but they don’t always mean an active infection—more testing may be needed to confirm current illness.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Doctors may order this test if you’ve had symptoms like fever, rash (e.g., bull’s-eye rash), joint pain, or neurological issues that could be linked to Lyme disease, especially after a tick bite or in areas where Lyme is common. It’s also used to monitor past infections or guide treatment decisions.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect the specific antibodies. Results are reported as positive, negative, or equivocal (needs further evaluation).

What Are Possible Results?

A **negative** result means no detectable antibodies were found, suggesting no current infection or very early exposure. A **positive** result indicates likely exposure, but further testing (like a Western blot) may be needed to confirm Lyme disease. An **equivocal** result may require additional testing to clarify.