Lyme Disease Ab w/Reflex to Blot

Description: Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick. The disease often begins as a rash. If you don’t get treatment, the infection can cause serious nerve or heart problems as well as a disabling type of arthritis (pain and swelling in one or more joints caused by inflammation).

Combination of IgM and IgM/IgG testing has the potential to provide the earliest and the broadest time window for serological detection. This is the most comprehensive profile for Lyme disease testing, providing the broadest time window for detection and confirmation. Line blot confirmation is ONLY performed when Antibodies test results are positive.

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 testing procedure called “EIA” (enzyme immunoassay) or rarely, an “IFA” (indirect immunofluorescence assay). 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 a “Line blot” test. Results are considered positive only if the EIA/IFA and the Line Blot 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 Line blot. Doing so will increase the frequency of false positive results and may lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
If the EIA test is negative, the Line Blot will not be performed and you will not receive the bands with your results.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes: Index results for total antibodies and IgM positives; only includes Line Blot analysis and result interpretation when antibodies test is positive.

This test is also known as Borrelia Antibodies

Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

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