Lyme Disease Antibody, Immunoblot, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC45278Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID LYWBCPT Code 86617

Lyme Disease Antibody, Immunoblot, Serum

Clinical Use

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

Test results should be used along with clinical evaluation and tick exposure history. A negative test does not necessarily rule out Lyme disease, especially in early stages. Specimens first need to be screened by FDA-licensed Lyme disease antibody tests. The immunoblot should only be used as a supplemental confirmatory assay for positive results. IgM results are only valid in the first month of disease symptoms, and not considered beyond 30 days due to potential for false positives.

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.

Test Details

FDA Approved