Understanding the Immunoblot Lyme Disease Test
The Immunoblot Lyme Disease Test helps evaluate your immune response to Lyme disease by detecting specific antibodies, IgM and IgG, in your blood. IgM antibodies are usually associated with a more recent immune response, while IgG antibodies are more often seen after the immune system has had more time to respond. This test is helpful because:
- It helps evaluate Lyme disease antibodies when Lyme exposure is suspected.
- It can detect both IgM and IgG antibody patterns.
- It gives you more information to review with your treating physician.
Who Should Consider This Test?
If you’ve been in areas where Lyme disease is common or have been exposed to ticks, this test may be worth considering. People who spend time outdoors, such as hikers, gardeners, campers, or hunters, may want more information about whether their immune system has reacted to Lyme bacteria. Getting tested can help you and your treating physician decide what the results may mean in the context of your symptoms, exposure history, and other health information.
This is the basic conventional Immunoblot test. If you want a more advanced version, learn about the IGeneX Immunoblot Lyme Disease Test.
Preparing for Your Lyme Disease Antibody Test
Getting ready for the Immunoblot test is simple. You don’t need to fast, so you can eat and drink as usual. However, it’s important to contact your treating physician for any special preparations that might be necessary. They can provide guidance based on your health history and current medications, helping you get the most useful results possible.
Labs Included in Your Order
| Test Name | Reference Ranges | Significance | Low and High Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyme Immunoblot Test | IgM + IgG | Negative, Indeterminate, Positive | This test checks for IgM and IgG antibodies related to Lyme disease. It looks at specific antibody band patterns that may suggest an immune response to Lyme bacteria. | High: Positive antibody findings may suggest current or past exposure, depending on the IgM and IgG pattern and clinical history.
Low: Negative or low antibody findings may suggest no detectable antibody response, very early testing, or an immune response below the test’s detection level. |
Reference ranges can vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date reference ranges for this lab test, visit Quest Diagnostics.
Immunoblot Lyme Disease Test FAQ
Is there Immunoblot Lyme Disease Test testing near me?
You can find nearby draw locations for the Immunoblot Lyme Disease Test with our patient service center locator + mobile phlebotomy.
Is this test the same as the Western Blot?
No. The Western Blot is older testing technology. Immunoblot testing is a newer method that can provide clearer antibody band detection and easier-to-read results for IgM and IgG Lyme antibody patterns.
How often should I retest?
Retesting may be considered if symptoms continue, if testing was done very soon after a possible tick bite, or if there is a new exposure to ticks. Ask your treating physician how your timing, symptoms, and exposure history should guide follow-up testing.
How accurate is the test?
The Immunoblot test can provide useful antibody information, but no Lyme disease test should be interpreted by itself. Accuracy depends on timing, immune response, exposure history, and symptoms. Your treating physician should review your results along with your health history and any other testing that may be needed.
Are test results private and confidential?
Yes, your test results are private and confidential. We will upload them to your account, and you will receive an email notification when they are ready. It’s important to share your results with your treating physician. Results may be disclosed to health authorities only if legally mandated. For more details, please review our privacy policy.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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