LYME DISEASE TEST (IGG, IGM)

Clinical Significance
Lyme Disease Ab with Reflex to Blot (IgG, IgM) - Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by ticks. A screening test with high sensitivity is used as the first step in the CDC recommended algorithm. Immunoblot testing qualitatively examines, with high specificity, antibodies in a patient's specimen. Immunoblot testing is appropriate for confirming a detected screening result.

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum

Minimum Volume
0.7 mL

Transport Container
Transport tube

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
 
Reject Criteria
Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Grossly icteric

Setup Schedule

Includes
If Lyme Disease Antibody Screen is ≥0.90, then Lyme Disease Antibodies (IgG, IgM), Immunoblot will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86617 x2).

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Reference Range(s)
Index    Interpretation
<0.90    Negative
0.90-1.09    Equivocal
>1.09    PositiveAs recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all samples with positive or equivocal results in a Borrelia burgdorferi antibody screen will be tested using a blot method. Positive or equivocal screening test results should not be interpreted as truly positive until verified as such using a supplemental assay (e.g., B. burgdorferi blot).
The screening test and/or blot for B. burgdorferi antibodies may be falsely negative in early stages of Lyme disease, including the period when erythema migrans is apparent.

Alternative Name(s)
Borrelia burgdorferi