ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Borrelia burgdorferi Antibodies, Total by ELISA : 0050216

Mnemonic: LYME EIA

Ordering Recommendation: First-line serologic screening test for suspected Lyme disease. Positive or equivocal results must be confirmed with a Western blot.
Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Performed: Sun, Tue-Sat
Reported: 1-3 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.1 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: CSF. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
 
These reference intervals are to be used in the interpretation of Borrelia burgdorferi Total Antibodies, IgG and/or IgM by ELISA result
0.99 LIV or less Negative - Antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi not detected.
1.00-1.20 LIV Equivocal - Repeat testing in 10-14 days may be helpful.
1.21 LIV or greater Positive - Probable presence of antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi detected.

Interpretive Data: Current CDC recommendations for the serologic diagnosis of Lyme disease are to screen with a polyvalent ELISA test and confirm equivocal and positive results with Western blot.  Both IgM and IgG Western blots should be performed on specimens less than four weeks after appearance of erythema migrans.  Only IgG Western blot should be performed on specimens greater than four weeks after the disease onset.  IgM Western blot in the chronic stage is not recommended and does not aid in the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis or chronic Lyme disease.  Please submit requests for appropriate Western blot testing within 10 days.
Note: Once this test is performed, if:
a) Negative - no further testing is done;
b) Positive or equivocal - Western blot testing will be performed on the original sample upon receiving a request. Sample will be held for 30 days only.
CPT Code(s): 86618
Cross References: Lyme Antibodies Detection (Borrelia burgdorferi Antibodies, Total by ELISA) , Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi Antibodies, Total by ELISA)