Lyme Disease Antibody Test
Blood test that detects antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, helping diagnose Lyme disease in individuals with symptoms or tick exposure.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This test detects antibodies the immune system produces in response to Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete bacterium transmitted through tick bites that causes Lyme disease. When infection occurs, the body generates two classes of antibodies: IgM antibodies, which appear first and typically peak three to six weeks after infection, and IgG antibodies, which develop later and can persist in the bloodstream for years after exposure.
Testing follows a recommended two-tiered approach for accuracy. The first step is an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) that screens for antibodies against B. burgdorferi. If this initial screen is positive or equivocal, a second-tier test (typically an immunoblot or Western blot) is performed to confirm the finding by detecting antibodies against more specific bacterial surface proteins. This two-step process reduces the risk of false-positive results, which can occur because antibodies against related organisms sometimes cross-react with the initial screening assay.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals who have been bitten by blacklegged ticks or deer ticks, especially those who live in or have traveled to areas where Lyme disease is common
- Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, or neurological symptoms following potential tick exposure
- Patients who have developed a bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans) or expanding circular skin lesion at or near the site of a tick bite
- People with unexplained neurological symptoms, heart problems, or arthritis who may have been exposed to ticks in endemic areas
- Patients with nonspecific symptoms or signs of disseminated or late disease without a history of erythema migrans, especially if exposure to endemic areas is documented
- Individuals concerned about possible Lyme disease infection who want confidential testing with no doctor visit required
What to expect
Preparation
No fasting or special preparation is required for this test. Continue taking medications as prescribed unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider. Testing is most reliable when performed at least 4-6 weeks after symptom onset to allow adequate antibody development.
Sample Type
A simple blood draw from a vein in the arm, typically collected in a serum separator tube.
Collection
A trained phlebotomist will clean the collection site and draw blood using a sterile needle. The blood sample is collected in a tube and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The process takes only a few minutes.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
Understanding your results
A negative result means that antibodies to B. burgdorferi were not detected at significant levels, making Lyme disease unlikely, though very early infections may not yet have produced enough antibodies to be detected. A positive initial screen requires confirmatory testing before the result is considered definitive. Even a confirmed positive antibody result does not by itself prove active Lyme disease, since IgG antibodies can persist long after a successfully treated infection. Healthcare providers diagnose Lyme disease based on the combination of antibody results, clinical symptoms (such as the characteristic expanding rash, joint pain, or neurological findings), exposure history, and geographic risk factors.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Ages | ≤ 0.90 Index Value | Antibody Not Detected |
| All Ages | 0.91 - 1.09 Index Value | Equivocal; submission of a second specimen may be suggested if clinically warranted |
| All Ages | ≥ 1.10 Index Value | Antibody Detected |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Negative results typically indicate that none or few antibodies to Lyme disease were found in the blood sample. However, if the test is performed before an adequate antibody response develops, results may be false negative, and repeat testing in 2-4 weeks may be recommended. False-negative results may occur in recently infected patients due to low or undetectable antibody levels, and if recent exposure is suspected, a second specimen should be collected and tested in 2 to 4 weeks. Sensitivity during early localized infection is low, while it increases significantly for patients with disseminated infection.
What does a “High” result mean?
Positive or elevated results indicate that antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were detected in the blood sample, but this does not confirm a diagnosis of Lyme disease. A positive test may also occur with certain diseases not related to Lyme disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Previous infection with Borrelia burgdorferi can also cause positive results, as serological tests cannot distinguish active from past infection since IgG antibodies may persist for years after exposure. Confirmatory testing is typically required to verify positive screening results.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. At LevelPanel, individuals can access confidential Lyme disease testing with complete privacy protection. Test results are <u>not reported to your personal doctor</u> and are <u>not part of your medical records</u>. The testing process is entirely confidential, with results accessible only through a secure online portal. Results are <u>not shared with employers</u>, insurance companies, or government agencies, and they will <u>not appear on insurance statements or EOBs</u>. Many people choose direct-to-consumer testing for Lyme disease concerns due to the private nature of tick-borne illness testing and the desire to avoid potential stigma or insurance implications. This confidential testing approach allows individuals to understand their health status and make informed decisions about next steps with complete privacy protection.
Frequently asked questions
Related conditions
Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 86618
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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