Also Known As

Borrelia Burgdorferi Antibodies Test, Lyme Antibody, Lyme Borreliosis Antibodies, Lyme Disease Antibody

The Purpose of the Lyme Disease IgM, IgG Antibody Test

A tick may be tiny, but it can cause big health problems if you get Lyme disease. This infection is caused by a tick bite that transmits a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. When the bacteria enters your system, your immune system produces antibodies that spark a variety of symptoms, including a rash shaped like a target, fever, and joint pain.

Early diagnosis is important because you can get antibiotics to treat Lyme disease, but if left unchecked, the infection can affect your nervous system, joints, the heart, and lead to issues such as Bell’s palsy, sleep disorders, and neurological damage.

The blood test for Lyme disease detects the presence of antibodies and can be used to help make a diagnosis if you are suffering symptoms, or monitor your response to treatment.

What Does the Lyme Disease Lab Test Measure?

The test measures the levels of antibodies produced in response to the infection. There are two types of antibodies that can be analyzed in the blood sample: Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgM antibodies are produced early in the infection, while IgG antibodies are produced later and remain detectable for a longer period of time. The presence of these antibodies in your blood sample indicates that you’ve been exposed to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.

Who Should Take a Lyme Lab Test?

You should take a Lyme disease IgM, IgG antibody test as soon as possible if you have symptoms associated with Lyme disease, such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• A “bull’s-eye” rash

You may also want to be proactive and order a blood test for Lyme disease if you’ve been bitten  by a tick. Finally, if you are being treated for Lyme disease, your physician may order this test to monitor your response to treatment.

Lyme Lab Test Preparation

There is no special preparation required for a Lyme disease lab test. However, you should talk to the lab beforehand about any medications you are taking, as certain drugs may affect your test results.

Lyme Disease Lab Test Results

The results of a blood test for Lyme disease are reported as either positive or negative. A positive result indicates that you’ve been exposed to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but it does not necessarily mean that you have an active infection, as antibodies can remain in the blood long after the infection has cleared your system Further testing may be required to determine whether the infection is active.

A negative result indicates you don’t have antibodies, either because you haven’t been exposed to the bacteria or the antibodies are not yet detectable. In the latter case, the test may need to be repeated several weeks later to confirm a negative result. Because there is a chance of false-positive or false-negative results, you may take other tests as well to confirm the diagnosis.

Where Can I Get a Lyme Disease IgM, IgG Antibody Test Near Me?

The Lyme lab test is part of the broad collection of infectious disease tests you can purchase in the Personalabs online store. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Choose the test you want and download the lab order for your testing appointment. (You may not need a doctor’s approval before making the purchase, which depends on the state where you live.)

Step 2: Use the lab locator tool on our website to find a facility for your test appointment. You have more than 4,000 Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp locations to choose from across America.

Step 3: Bring the lab order to your test appointment and complete the blood draw.

Step 4: Find your results in your secure Personalabs account within 2 to 10 business days. (If you need results urgently, contact us and we will work with your lab to get them back to you as quickly as possible.)

Browse the full range of tests at Personalabs today.