Lab test
Lyme Disease Antibody Test - IgG, IgM Lab Testing
A Lyme disease antibody panel checks the blood for IgG and IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease and is spread through tick bites.
- Typical price
- From $159
- Results
- 1-3 business days
- Preparation
- See preparation notes below
- Sample
- Blood draw or sample collection at a local center
About this test
A Lyme disease antibody panel checks the blood for IgG and IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease and is spread through tick bites. The test is used to help assess whether a person may have been exposed to the bacterium. People often order it after a tick bite, after an expanding rash, or when they have persistent symptoms their healthcare provider wants to evaluate. Because antibodies take time to develop, the test is interpreted with exposure history and the timing of any bite.
What this test measures
- Borrelia burgdorferi IgG antibody Antibodies that can indicate a later or past exposure to the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
- Borrelia burgdorferi IgM antibody Antibodies that can appear earlier after exposure to the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
Who this test may be right for
- People who have had a tick bite or removed an attached tick
- Individuals with an expanding rash after a possible tick exposure
- People with joint, nerve, or heart symptoms their healthcare provider wants to evaluate
- Those living in or visiting areas where tick exposure is possible
- Individuals whose healthcare provider suspects Lyme disease
Before your visit
- No fasting is required for this blood test
- A standard blood draw is used to collect the sample
- Tell the lab about the timing of any tick bite or rash
- Follow any specific instructions supplied with your test order
Understanding your results
Results are reported separately for Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM. Detectable antibodies may suggest exposure, but timing matters: antibodies can take weeks to develop, so an early test can be negative. IgM and IgG patterns, together with symptoms and exposure history, are used to interpret the findings. A single antibody result is not a diagnosis. Discuss your Lyme antibody results with a healthcare provider to determine what further evaluation may be appropriate.
Order this test online
- Buy online in a few minutes - no doctor's visit needed for most tests.
- Sample collection at a patient service center near you.
- Results are typically ready within 1-3 business days.
- Secure, lab-reviewed results delivered to your account.
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Questions people ask
Why does the test measure both IgG and IgM for Borrelia burgdorferi?
IgM antibodies can appear earlier after exposure, while IgG antibodies tend to develop later, so measuring both helps interpret the timing of a possible Lyme disease exposure.
Can the Lyme antibody test be negative soon after a tick bite?
Yes. Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi take time to develop, so a test performed soon after a bite may be negative and repeat testing may be recommended.
Does this test require fasting?
No. The Lyme disease IgG and IgM antibody tests are blood draws and do not require fasting.
What does the Lyme Disease Antibody Test - IgG, IgM Lab Testing measure?
Lab testing for Lyme disease is available is available is available is available is available is available; get tested for Lyme disease with our fast antibody blood test.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Follow the lab's instructions.
How long do results take?
Most Lyme Disease Antibody Test - IgG, IgM Lab Testing results are released in 1-3 business days. Specialty testing can take longer.
Is this test right for me?
This page is educational and not medical advice. Talk to a licensed healthcare provider about which tests fit your situation.
LabBookings is an independent directory. We compare test details and pricing information, but we are not a laboratory and we do not perform testing or provide medical advice. Always talk to a licensed healthcare provider about your results and treatment.
Laboratory services are provided by independent, CLIA-certified testing partners. Availability, pricing, and turnaround times can vary by location and are confirmed at checkout.