Lyme disease antibody tests are used to help diagnose Lyme disease.

Lyme disease serology; ELISA for Lyme disease; Western blot for Lyme disease

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture.

A laboratory specialist will look for Lyme disease antibodies in the blood sample using the ELISA test. If the ELISA test is positive, it must be confirmed with the Western blot test.

There is no special preparation for the test.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

The test is performed to help confirm the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Images

Lyme disease - Borrelia burgdorferi organism

Ticks

Lyme disease organism, Borrelia burgdorferi

Deer ticks

Tick imbedded in the skin

Next Section

Lyme disease antibody Results

Review Date: 03/11/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)