Lyme Serology testing is used to diagnose Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. This test detects current or past infections by identifying IgM and IgG antibodies against the bacteria in the blood. A two-tiered testing approach is typically employed: an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) as the initial screening, followed by a confirmatory Western Blot test if the result is positive or equivocal.
Test accuracy depends on timing:
Early stages (first weeks after the tick bite): False negatives may occur due to gradual antibody production.
Later stages (e.g., arthritis or neurological involvement): Sensitivity increases.
However, false positives can arise from other infections (e.g., syphilis) or autoimmune diseases.
Results must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms (e.g., “bull’s-eye” rash, fever, joint pain) and tick exposure history. For suspected cases with negative results, retesting after 2–4 weeks or molecular methods (e.g., PCR to detect bacterial DNA) is recommended. This test is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective antibiotic treatment.
