Lyme Disease Ab with Reflex to Blot (IgG, IgM)

This test detects antibodies to the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Immunoblot testing will confirm a detected screening result.

The Lyme ImmunoBlot is a qualitative assay that detects antibodies to B. burgdorferi strains and species. This test includes IgG and IgM antibodies. IgM antibodies may be present as early as 1 week after a tick bite and will usually remain present for six to eight weeks after initial exposure. IgG antibodies are typically present a few months following initial infection. This test is unavailable for patients over 65 when ordered through physician services.

The Babesia FISH assay is designed for qualitative detection of ribosomal RNA of Babesia parasites directly in a blood smear. The test’s highest degree of specificity is provided by nucleic acid probes, which bind to RNA sequences of the Babesia. This test detects all species of Babesia. This test is unavailable for patients over 65 when ordered through physician services.

The Bartonella FISH assay is designed for qualitative detection of ribosomal RNA of bacteria belonging to the Genus Bartonella. The FISH test provides a significant increase in specificity over standard gram stain for the presence of Bartonella in a whole blood smear. A positive result indicates the presence of bacterium from the Genus Bartonella, including B. berkhoffii, B. henselae, B. elizabethae, B. quintana, or B. vinsonii. This test is unavailable for patients over 65 when ordered through physician services.

The Lyme ImmunoBlot IgG is a qualitative assay that detects IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi strains and species. IgG antibodies are typically present a few months following initial infection. This test is unavailable for patients over 65 when ordered through physician services.