Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM Antibodies Test, Lyme Disease Serology, Lyme Antibodies Test, Borrelia Antibodies Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 to 7 business days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders with suspected tick exposure or Lyme disease symptoms |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,100 |
What is a Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies Test?
The Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies test checks your blood for antibodies that your immune system produces in response to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. A doctor may order this test if you have symptoms consistent with Lyme disease or a history of possible tick exposure. It is also known as the Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM Antibodies test or Lyme Disease Serology. The test uses a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Does a Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies Test Measure?
This test detects two types of antibodies that the body makes when it encounters Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Each antibody type appears at a different stage of infection. The table below explains what each one indicates:
| Antibody | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| IgM (Immunoglobulin M) | Suggests a recent or acute infection; typically detectable 2 to 3 weeks after infection begins |
| IgG (Immunoglobulin G) | Suggests a past or ongoing infection; appears several weeks after initial exposure and can remain detectable for months to years |
| Screening ELISA | An initial screening step; a positive or equivocal result triggers further confirmatory testing |
Testing follows a two-step approach. An initial screening test (ELISA) is done first. If that result is positive or unclear, a confirmatory immunoblot test is performed to verify the finding.
Why is a Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when a patient's symptoms and exposure history suggest possible Lyme disease. Below are the key reasons this test is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms may prompt a doctor to request Lyme disease serology. These include:
- A circular or oval rash around a tick bite, sometimes called a "bullseye" rash (erythema migrans)
- Fever, chills, and sweating
- Persistent fatigue
- Headache and stiff neck
- Aching muscles and joint pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Vision changes or cognitive difficulties
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM Antibodies test can help identify the following conditions:
- Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of an infected tick
- Early localised Lyme disease, which primarily involves the skin
- Early disseminated Lyme disease, affecting muscles, joints, and the nervous system
- Late Lyme arthritis, characterised by fluid build-up and pain in the joints, especially the knees
- Neurological Lyme disease, including facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) or meningitis
- Lyme carditis, a complication affecting the heart when the infection goes untreated
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Getting a Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies test is straightforward, with very little preparation needed. Here is what you should know before and during your test.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. There are no dietary or food restrictions before your blood draw.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help your appointment go smoothly:
- Inform your doctor or the phlebotomist if you are currently taking antibiotics, as this may affect results.
- Drink enough water before your appointment to stay well hydrated.
- Wear a top with loose or short sleeves to allow easy access to your arms.
- Bring a note of any recent tick exposure or travel to tick-endemic regions.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin on your inner arm and select a suitable vein.
- A small needle is inserted, and the required amount of blood is collected into a vial or test tube.
- The whole process typically takes under five minutes.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the site.
- Your blood sample is labelled and dispatched to the laboratory.
- The sample first undergoes ELISA screening, and if the result is positive or equivocal, a confirmatory immunoblot test is carried out.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the reliability of your results:
- Testing too early: antibodies may not be present in detectable amounts within the first two weeks of infection
- Early antibiotic use: starting treatment early in the illness can reduce or prevent antibody production
- Other infections or conditions: cross-reactions can occur in patients with syphilis, rheumatoid arthritis, Epstein-Barr virus infection, or relapsing fever, potentially causing a false positive result
Understanding Your Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies Test Results
Results from this test must always be reviewed alongside your symptoms, tick exposure history, and the timing of your test. The table below outlines how results are generally interpreted:
| Parameter | Result | General Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Screening ELISA | Negative | No significant antibody response detected |
| Screening ELISA | Positive or Equivocal | Reflexed for confirmatory immunoblot testing |
| IgM Immunoblot | Positive | Antibodies detected against 2 or more B. burgdorferi proteins; consistent with recent or acute infection |
| IgM Immunoblot | Negative | Does not meet criteria; interpreted as negative |
| IgG Immunoblot | Positive | Antibodies detected against 5 or more B. burgdorferi proteins; consistent with infection in the recent or distant past |
| IgG Immunoblot | Negative | Does not meet criteria; interpreted as negative |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
A negative result does not always rule out early infection. If exposure is suspected and the result is negative, your doctor may request a repeat test two to four weeks later.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain medical conditions can affect the reliability of this test. Your doctor will take these into account when interpreting your results.
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infectious mononucleosis, syphilis, autoimmune diseases, bacterial endocarditis, and Helicobacter pylori infection have been associated with false-positive IgM and IgG results. Rheumatoid factor in the blood can also cause a false positive on the IgM component. Additionally, IgM cross-reactivity has been observed in patients with Epstein-Barr virus or rickettsial infections.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Since Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites, prevention is the most effective approach. These general wellness tips can help reduce your risk:
- Wear protective, covered clothing when spending time in wooded or grassy outdoor areas.
- After any outdoor activity, check your skin carefully for ticks and remove any promptly.
- Seek medical attention early if you develop a characteristic rash or flu-like symptoms after possible tick exposure.
Lupin Diagnostics Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies Test Price and Home Collection
The Lyme IgG and IgM Antibodies test is available at Lupin Diagnostics, with prices starting at approximately ₹4,100. Home sample collection is available for added convenience. The table below shows approximate prices across major Indian cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹4,100 |
| Bengaluru | ₹4,100 |
| Chennai | ₹4,100 |
| Hyderabad | ₹4,100 |
| Kolkata | ₹4,100 |
| Pune | ₹4,100 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
Choose your city and preferred time slot.
Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection across cities in India, so you can have your blood drawn at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a different disease from German measles (rubella), which is caused by the rubella virus. Rubella is generally milder than measles, although both diseases can be prevented through the MMR vaccine. The Measles (Rubeola) Virus IgG Antibody test specifically evaluates immunity to the measles virus and does not assess immunity to rubella.
It is generally recommended to wait at least 10 to 14 days after receiving the MMR vaccine before taking the Measles IgG Antibody test. Testing too soon may result in a negative result because the body may not yet have produced detectable levels of IgG antibodies.
A negative result means that measles IgG antibodies were not detected in your blood, suggesting that you may not have immunity to the measles virus. Your doctor may recommend MMR vaccination to help protect you against future infection.
No. The Measles (Rubeola) Virus IgG Antibody test is intended to assess immunity rather than diagnose an active infection. If a current measles infection is suspected, your doctor may order a Measles IgM Antibody test or a viral RNA test, which are more suitable for detecting recent or active infection.
Doctors often recommend this test for people who are unsure of their vaccination history, healthcare workers, travellers visiting regions where measles is common, and individuals who need proof of immunity for employment, education, or outbreak investigations.
Yes. A newborn may test positive for measles IgG antibodies because maternal antibodies are transferred from the mother to the baby during pregnancy. These antibodies provide temporary protection and usually decrease naturally during the first few months of life.
Lupym IgG and IgM Antibodies Test: Booking, Price, and Results
