Lyme Serology IgG/IgM (183)

The IgG/IgM Antibody Serology test is an ELISA (enzyme linked immunoassay), which indicates the presence of both IgG and IgM antibodies to B. burgdorferi. Unlike IgM antibodies, which are present shortly after infection takes place, IgG antibodies often persist long after symptoms have disappeared. The presence of antibodies indicate exposure to Lyme-causing Borrelia, not active disease. A positive or equivocal test must be confirmed by both IgG and IgM ImmunoBlots.

This test is recommended at least four weeks after exposure. Patients with the diagnosis of Lyme disease based on clinical history have positive IgG/IgM serology results within one year of the tick bite, approximately 70% of the time. The percentage of patients with a positive serology is reduced in subsequent years.

Stage of Disease: Early Disease

Test Methodology: Serology