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Lyme disease antibody - Overview

Alternative Names

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

Definition of Lyme disease antibody:

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

How the test is performed:

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.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation for the test.

How the test will feel:

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.

Why the test is performed:

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

Blood test

Lyme disease organism, Borrelia burgdorferi

Deer ticks

Ticks

Lyme disease - Borrelia burgdorferi organism

Tick imbedded in the skin

Reviewed last on: 3/11/2011
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.

References

Steere AC. Borrelia burgdorferi (lyme disease, lyme borreliosis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 242.

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