Lyme Disease Serology

Pathology category

Microbiology - Virology

Code

LYMW

Referral code

Request form

ICE request form. This test should not be used as a general screen for asymptomatic patients, even if there is a history of tick bite or exposure. Please include: Relevant symptoms and signs; date of onset of illness; tick bite history and other relevant information e.g. travel, occupational, or other risk history.

Test information

Interpretation of results: Negative result: no IgG antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi detected. If the sample was timed appropriately in relation to the clinical presentation, a negative result indicates infection is unlikely. This result does not exclude the possibility of B burgdorferi infection. Patients in early stages of infection may not produce detectable levels of antibody, especially if antibiotic treatment has been administered. Patients with a clinical history and/or symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease or where early Lyme disease is suspected, but with negative test results, retest in 2 to 4 weeks should be considered. Positive result: IgG antibody to B burgdorferi detected. A positive result indicates probable prior exposure to B. burgdorferi. All positive results will be referred to the Reference laboratory for confirmation and further markers, but positive results must be interpreted in the light of clinical manifestations and the indication for testing. A positive result does not provide definitive evidence of infection with B. burgdorferi. It is possible that other disease conditions, including syphilis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other infections and autoimmune diseases may produce a positive result in the assay. Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

Lyme disease- clinical information

Pre-analytical

Please ensure the sample is transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. If delayed please refrigerate.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

5ml gold top clotted SST

Special requirements

Minimum volume

5ml

Assay frequency

Monday – Friday

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

1 - 7 days

TAT Inpatient

1 - 7 days

TAT GP/Outpatient

1 - 7 days

Referral lab