This Lyme disease blood test measures IgG and IgM antibodies to 3 types of bacteria that can cause Lyme disease.

Your results will tell you if you have been exposed to 3 species of Borrelia bacteria: Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia garinii, or Borrelia afzelii. This test follows the two-step algorithm recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which includes an antibody screen and, if positive, a confirmation test is performed with an immunoblot assay. A positive test result is not a clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease. Diagnosing Lyme disease requires a clinical evaluation by a medical professional of symptoms, travel history, and/or a record of exposure to an infected tick.

IgM/IgG Reactivity to 3 Lyme Disease Bacteria

Lyme disease is caused by an infection from the genus of bacteria called Borrelia. Your body makes IgG and IgM antibodies in response to infection. IgM antibody response usually begins to develop within days of infection, and IgM antibody levels peak within a few weeks. IgG antibodies are slower to develop, with levels peaking approximately 4 to 6 weeks after exposure and may persist after the infection has been treated.

‍