Lyme Disease Antibody, Immunoblot (Sendout)

Reference Values:

Interpretation:

IgM:

IgM antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi may be detectable within 1 to 2 weeks following the tick bite; they usually peak during the third to sixth week after disease onset, and then demonstrate a gradual decline over a period of months. IgM antibody may persist for months following completion of treatment. IgM antibody results against B burgdorferi should only be considered during the 30 days following exposure and symptom onset.

Negative specimens typically demonstrate antibodies to fewer than 2 of the 3 significant B burgdorferi proteins. Additional specimens should be submitted in 2 to 3 weeks if B burgdorferi exposure has not been ruled out.

IgG:

IgG antibodies to B burgdorferi can be detected approximately 2 weeks after onset of disease and can remain detectable for months to years following completion of therapy.

Normal specimens and false-positive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) specimens generally have antibodies to 4 or fewer proteins. Except for early patients, antibodies from patients with Lyme disease generally bind to 5 or more proteins.

Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen.

Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial. Refrigerate serum.

Sendouts:

• Order Mayo Test: LYWB.
• If ordered concurrently with RLYMES, test must be ordered manually in MayoAccess. Mayo will not accept an order for LYME and LYWB on the same accession.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen.