Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Lyme IgG Antibody Test, Borrelia burgdorferi IgG Test, Lyme Disease Serology, B. burgdorferi Antibodies Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 6 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, particularly those with a history of tick bites or travel to endemic areas |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,300 |
What is a Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test?
The Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG antibody test is a blood test that checks for IgG antibodies produced by your immune system against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. IgG antibodies typically develop four to six weeks after infection and can remain detectable for years. Doctors order this test for patients who have had a tick bite, developed a characteristic skin rash, or experienced symptoms that suggest Lyme disease. A small serum sample, drawn from a vein in your arm, is used for the test.
What Does a Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test Measure?
The Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG antibody test uses an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method to detect IgG antibodies in your blood. If the initial screen is positive or borderline, a confirmatory immunoblot (Western blot) test is performed to identify antibodies against specific Borrelia proteins. The table below outlines what each stage of the test assesses.
| Component | What it Detects | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| IgG Screening (EIA) | IgG antibodies against B. burgdorferi | Indicates established or past exposure to the bacteria |
| IgG Immunoblot (confirmatory) | Antibodies to specific Borrelia proteins | Confirms a positive screen and reduces false-positive results |
| Two-tier result | Combined screening and confirmatory result | Improves the overall accuracy of Lyme disease diagnosis |
Why is a Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test Done?
A doctor may recommend this test when symptoms point to Lyme disease, particularly in someone with a history of tick exposure or outdoor activity in wooded or grassy areas.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor requests a Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG antibody test:
- An expanding "bull's-eye" skin rash (erythema migrans) around a tick bite site
- Fever, chills, and flu-like illness following a tick bite
- Unexplained fatigue or persistent tiredness
- Muscle and joint aches, particularly in large joints such as the knees
- Headache or neck stiffness
- Swollen lymph nodes
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test helps identify whether Borrelia burgdorferi infection is responsible for a range of clinical conditions:
- Lyme disease (early or late-stage)
- Lyme arthritis, causing joint inflammation, especially in larger joints
- Lyme neuroborreliosis, where the infection affects the nervous system
- Lyme carditis, an inflammation of the heart linked to Lyme infection
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test. However, there are a few practical steps that can help ensure accurate results and a smooth sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG antibody test. You may eat and drink as normal before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help you get ready for the test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, any recent tick bites, travel to forested or endemic areas, and previous test results. Clinical history is required for this test.
- If possible, wait four to six weeks after a potential tick bite before testing, as antibodies take time to build up in the body.
- Tell the phlebotomist or your doctor about any autoimmune conditions or ongoing infections, as these can affect results.
- Disclose all medications you are currently taking. You do not need to stop any medication, including antibiotics, before the test.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the blood sample collection:
- A phlebotomist will clean the inside of your elbow with an antiseptic wipe to prevent contamination.
- A needle is gently inserted into a vein in your arm. You may feel a brief, mild prick at this point.
- About 3 mL of blood is drawn into a yellow-top SST gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the puncture site.
- The sample is labelled and stored under refrigeration before being dispatched to the laboratory.
- At the lab, the sample is first screened using an enzyme immunoassay. If the result is positive or equivocal, an immunoblot confirmatory test is automatically carried out on the same sample.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence how reliable your test result is:
- Testing too early after a tick bite, before antibodies have developed
- Early antibiotic treatment, which may reduce or suppress the antibody response
- Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause cross-reactions
- Other infections, including syphilis or Epstein-Barr virus, that may mimic Lyme antibodies
- An immunocompromised state, where the body may not produce enough antibodies to detect
Understanding Your Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with a doctor who can consider your symptoms, exposure history, and overall health. The table below gives a general guide to interpreting common result patterns.
| Parameter | Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| IgG Screening (EIA) | Negative (less than 0.90 Index) | No antibodies detected; infection unlikely |
| IgG Screening (EIA) | Equivocal (0.90 to 1.09 Index) | Borderline; confirmatory testing required |
| IgG Screening (EIA) | Positive (1.10 Index or above) | Antibodies detected; immunoblot confirmation needed |
| IgG Immunoblot | 5 or more of 10 bands positive | Positive; consistent with established infection |
| IgG Immunoblot | Fewer than 5 bands positive | Negative by immunoblot criteria |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
- False-positive results can occur in patients with other bacterial infections, such as syphilis or relapsing fever, as well as viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus. These infections produce antibodies that may cross-react with Borrelia proteins.
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis may show false-positive results because rheumatoid factor can non-specifically bind to Borrelia burgdorferi proteins. Confirmatory immunoblot testing helps reduce the chance of acting on a misleading result.
- A negative immunoblot result does not always rule out early infection, particularly in samples that are only weakly positive on initial screening.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since the Borrelia burgdorferi IgG antibody test reflects past or present infection, the best approach is prevention and early action:
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent when spending time in wooded or grassy areas.
- After outdoor activities, check your skin carefully for ticks and remove any attached ticks within 24 to 36 hours to reduce infection risk.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you notice an expanding rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite.
Lupin Diagnostics Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test Price and Home Collection
The Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG antibody test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹4,300, with home sample collection available across major cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4300 |
| CHENNAI | 4300 |
| HYDERABAD | 4300 |
| KOLKATA | 4300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4300 |
| PUNE | 4300 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Here is how to book your Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG antibody test online with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG antibody test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is shared directly with you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG antibody test is used to detect IgG antibodies that your immune system produces in response to Borrelia burgdorferi infection. It helps confirm whether you have been exposed to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, either recently or in the past. Doctors usually order it for patients with tick exposure, a characteristic skin rash, or unexplained joint, neurological, or cardiac symptoms.
It is best to wait four to six weeks after a tick bite before getting this test. Antibodies take several weeks to build up to detectable levels, so testing too early can produce a false-negative result even if infection is present. Your doctor can advise you on the right timing based on your symptoms.
No, this test cannot reliably distinguish between a current and a past infection. IgG antibodies can remain detectable in your blood for ten to twenty years after a successfully treated infection. A positive result must always be interpreted alongside your current symptoms and clinical history by a qualified doctor.
The EIA screening test used in the first step has a higher rate of false-positive results when used alone. A confirmatory immunoblot test is performed after a positive or equivocal screen to check for antibodies against specific Borrelia proteins. This two-tier approach improves overall accuracy and reduces the likelihood of an incorrect diagnosis.
Certain infections can produce antibodies that cross-react with Borrelia proteins, including syphilis, relapsing fever, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus. Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can also cause false-positive results. If your result is positive, your doctor will consider these possibilities when interpreting it.
No fasting is required. You may eat and drink normally before your blood draw. The test only requires a small serum sample, and food or fluid intake does not affect the result.
You should bring a detailed clinical history, including information about any tick bites, recent travel to forested areas, outdoor activities, current symptoms, and previous test results. Clinical history is a required part of this test, as it helps the laboratory and your doctor interpret results accurately.
Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) IgG Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
