Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Disease) antibodies
Microbiology
Notes
The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.
Erythema migrans is a clinical diagnosis and does not require confirmation by laboratory testing, antibiotic treatment should be prescribed on clinical suspicion.
This test is of limited value until 4 weeks after exposure and may take up to 12 weeks for detectable antibody to develop. About 30% of tests are positive by two weeks and about 80% by six weeks.
Sample requirements
In symptomatic patients, a second sample may be required 8-12 weeks after onset of symptoms following an initial negative test result.
8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube
![Gold top with cap](https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/images/Gold_top_with_cap.width-800.jpg)
Suspected neuroborreliosis require paired CSF and clotted blood samples taken at the same time.
Required information
- Relevant clinical details
- Any history of previous Lyme testing and the results
- Date of onset of symptoms
- Travel history
- History and date of tick bite
- Occupational or leisure exposure
- Any early antibiotic treatments for Lyme disease
Storage/transport
Store at fridge temperature
Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature
Turnaround time
5 days
Positive results are referred to the National Reference Centre so may take longer