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Lyme Disease Antibodies (IgG, IgM), Immunoblot [8593]
MessageFor Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.
As per CDC criteria, a Lyme disease IgG immunoblot must show reactivity to at least 5 of 10 specific borrelial proteins to be considered positive; similarly, a positive Lyme disease IgM immunoblot requires reactivity to 2 of 3 specific borrelial proteins. Although considered negative, IgG reactivity to fewer specific borrelial proteins or IgM reactivity to only 1 protein may indicate recent B burgdorferi infection and warrant testing of a later sample. A positive IgM but negative IgG result obtained more than a month after onset of symptoms likely represents a false-positive IgM result rather than acute Lyme disease. In rare instances, Lyme disease immunoblot reactivity may represent antibodies induced by exposure to other spirochetes.
As per CDC criteria, a Lyme disease IgG immunoblot must show reactivity to at least 5 of 10 specific borrelial proteins to be considered positive; similarly, a positive Lyme disease IgM immunoblot requires reactivity to 2 of 3 specific borrelial proteins. Although considered negative, IgG reactivity to fewer specific borrelial proteins or IgM reactivity to only 1 protein may indicate recent B burgdorferi infection and warrant testing of a later sample. A positive IgM but negative IgG result obtained more than a month after onset of symptoms likely represents a false-positive IgM result rather than acute Lyme disease. In rare instances, Lyme disease immunoblot reactivity may represent antibodies induced by exposure to other spirochetes.
Test Code
LYMEAB
Alias/See Also
8593;
Lyme Titer, Western Blot;
Lyme Western Blot;
B.Burgdor WB
Lyme Titer, Western Blot;
Lyme Western Blot;
B.Burgdor WB
CPT Codes
86617 (x2)
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Note: Administration of STRENSIQ may interfere in certain assays and may falsely elevate values. For patients receiving STRENSIQ, consideration should be given to using alternate methods.
Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Gross lipemia
Methodology
Immunoblot (IB)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 1-4 days
Reference Range
| Lyme Disease Ab (IgG), Blot | Negative |
| Lyme Disease Ab (IgM), Blot | Negative |
Clinical Significance
Lyme disease is transmitted by a tick vector carrying Borrelia burgdorferi. Immunoblot testing qualitatively examines, with high specificity, antibodies in a patient's specimen. Immunoblot testing is appropriate for confirming a detected EIA or IFA test result.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153
Last Updated: November 30, 2021
