Lyme Disease, Antibodies (IgG, IgM), Immunoblot -
(QUEST DIAGNOSTICS)Description: 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 screening test result.
The CDC currently recommends a two-step process when testing blood for evidence of antibodies against the Lyme disease bacteria. Both steps can be done using the same blood sample.
The first step uses a screening procedure.
If this first step is negative, no further testing of the specimen is recommended. If the first step is positive or indeterminate (sometimes called "equivocal"), the second step should be performed. The second step uses a test called an immunoblot test. Results are considered positive only if the screening and the immunoblot are both positive.
The two steps of Lyme disease testing are designed to be done together. CDC does not recommend skipping the first test and just doing the Immunoblot. Doing so will increase the frequency of false positive results and may lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Name(s): Borrelia burgdorferi
Includes: Lyme Disease, Antibodies (IgG, IgM), Immunoblot This test does NOT include the screening test.
Categories: Infectious Diseases
