Borrelia Antibody (Blood)

Does this check produce other names?

Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies check, IgM/IgG check, Lyme illness check

What is that this check?

This check measures the extent of Borrelia antibodies in your blood. Borrelia burgdorferi micro organism trigger Lyme illness.

The micro organism are unfold to people by the chew of an contaminated tick.

Lyme illness is the commonest tick-borne sickness within the U.S. If not handled, Lyme illness could cause an an infection of the tissues masking the mind and spinal twine (meningitis). It may possibly additionally trigger: 

• Liver and coronary heart issues

• Incapability to manage facial muscle tissues (facial palsy)

• Issues which will present up months or years later, equivalent to ongoing ache and tiredness, arthritis, and issues with reminiscence and focus

The CDC advises a 2-step analysis of your blood check. First, your blood pattern is examined by a course of referred to as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or oblique immunofluorescence assay (IFA). If that is constructive for Borrelia antibodies, the pattern is put by an immunoblot check That is also referred to as a Western blot check. This check measures immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in your blood. The CDC additionally recommends that an authorised EIA check could also be used rather than the immunoblot check because the second check.

You’ll doubtless obtain a analysis for Lyme illness if each the EIA/IFA and the second check are constructive. However in some instances, you might also produce other exams, such in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Why do I would like this check?

You could want this check in case your healthcare supplier thinks that you’ve got Lyme illness primarily based on latest journey, bodily examination, and signs. Signs embrace a crimson bump that appears like a spider chew that spreads right into a crimson rash in a basic “bull’s-eye” sample. You may additionally have:

What different exams may I’ve together with this check?

You may additionally have a check to search for Borrelia antibodies in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) when you’ve got indicators that your central nervous system has been affected. CSF is the liquid that surrounds the mind and spinal twine. This check might also be completed if the blood check outcomes aren’t clear.

What do my check outcomes imply?

Take a look at outcomes could fluctuate relying in your age, gender, well being historical past, and different issues. Your check outcomes could also be completely different relying on the lab used. They might not imply you have got an issue. Ask your healthcare supplier what your check outcomes imply for you.

A damaging consequence signifies that no antibodies have been discovered. However Lyme illness is difficult to diagnose. That is partly as a result of the antibodies could not present up in your blood for a number of weeks. In case your outcomes are damaging shortly after you have been contaminated, the consequence could possibly be a false-negative.

A constructive consequence signifies that Borrelia antibodies have been discovered and that you might have had or have Lyme illness. False-positive outcomes typically do happen. This implies the check may say you have got the an infection when you do not. For instance, even when you’ve got had Lyme illness and been cured, antibodies should still be discovered months or years later.

False-positive outcomes also can occur when you’ve got the autoimmune illness lupus, HIV, or syphilis. They will additionally occur when you’ve got Helicobacter pylori micro organism or the Epstein-Barr virus.

How is that this check completed?

The check is finished with a blood pattern. A needle is used to attract blood from a vein in your arm or hand.

Does this check pose any dangers?

Having a blood check with a needle carries some dangers. These embrace bleeding, an infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, it’s possible you’ll really feel a slight sting or ache. Afterward, the positioning could also be sore.

What may have an effect on my check outcomes?

The Lyme illness vaccine may have an effect on your check outcomes. In case you are examined too quickly after having been contaminated, it’s possible you’ll get a false-negative consequence. When you’ve got been handled with antibiotics, your outcomes might also be affected.

How do I prepare for this check?

You needn’t put together for this check. However ensure your healthcare supplier is aware of about all medicines, herbs, nutritional vitamins, and dietary supplements you’re taking. This consists of medicines that do not want a prescription and any unlawful medication it’s possible you’ll use.