Lyme Disease Antibody, Immunoblot, Serum
Use
This test aids in the diagnosis of systemic Lyme disease, which is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through ticks. Lyme disease can present with various symptoms, including skin lesions, arthritis, neurological or cardiac issues. Laboratories use a two-test approach for diagnosis, starting with enzyme immunoassay (EIA) followed by immunoblotting for positive or equivocal EIA results. The test measures IgG and IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi proteins to support diagnosis, under CDC guidelines stating that IgG antibodies binding to at least 5 proteins or IgM antibodies binding to at least 2 proteins indicate Lyme disease.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The immunoblot may yield false negatives, particularly with weakly positive EIA specimens or early Lyme disease. False-positive results can be due to infections with other spirochetal diseases, recent viral infections, or autoimmune disorders. Test results are affected by early antibiotic treatment that suppresses antibodies and not suited for evaluating response to therapy. IgG antibodies can remain detectable for years after infection has resolved.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Microarray (Expression Array)
Biomarkers
Borrelia burgdorferi proteins
Protein
LOINC Codes
- 18203-0 - B burgdor IgG+IgM Ser Ql IB
- 6320-6 - B burgdor IgG Ser Ql IB
- 13502-0 - B burgdor IgG Patrn Ser IB-Imp
- 6321-4 - B burgdor IgM Ser Ql IB
- 13503-8 - B burgdor IgM Patrn Ser IB-Imp
- 12781-1 - B burgdor Ab Patrn Ser IB-Imp
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.75 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus, Heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |