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Lyme Disease Ab w/Reflex to Immunoblot (IgG IgM)

CPT/HCPCS 86618x2
Order Code CH249
Turnaround Time 72 hours
Test Includes

Lyme Disease Ab (IgG and IgM)

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Source
Serum
Transport Container
(Specimen Container)

SST (Tiger Top)

Preferred Specimens
Serum
Minimum Volume (uL)
0.7 mL
Collection Instructions
(Transport Temperature)
Transport at Room Temperature
Specimen Stability
Temperature Period
Room temperature 7 days
Refrigerated 14 days
Frozen 30 days
Reject Criteria

Gross hemolysis
Grossly lipemic
Grossly icteric

Test Details
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Clinical Significance

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.

Reference Ranges

ndexInterpretation
1.09 – Positive

As 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 Names
Borrelia burgdorferi