Antibodies Against Borrelia burgdorferi IgM + IgG Using the Western Blot Method

IgG or IgM Testing – Lyme Disease – Western Blot Test (Following ELISA Test Results)

The available IgG and IgM antibody test determines whether Lyme disease is an active infection in the body and helps rule out pathogens responsible for its development. It is recommended to perform the Western Blot test if a positive result was obtained from the ELISA test. A positive result (confirming the disease) indicates the presence of IgG or IgM antibodies in the body. Lyme disease detected by the ELISA test and confirmed by the Western Blot test at an early stage can be completely cured. However, a lack of proper diagnosis can lead to severe consequences, including loss of health or even life.

Purpose of the Test:

• To determine the antigenic specificity of antibodies in the case of a positive or borderline ELISA test result.
• To obtain information on whether the antibodies present in the patient’s serum are indeed due to contact with pathogenic Borrelia spirochetes.

When to Perform the Test?

• In the case of a positive or borderline ELISA test result for antibodies specific to Borrelia spirochete antigens.

Testing Method:

Western Blot

High specificity: 99.4% for IgG class, 100% for IgM class.

Western Blot tests are highly specific confirmatory tests recognized worldwide for Lyme disease diagnostics. They are based on the immune reaction of antibodies contained in the patient’s peripheral blood with highly specific recombinant protein antigens, characteristic of Borrelia spirochetes, applied to a nitrocellulose membrane, including: OspC, OspA, p100, p18, VIsE, p58, p41, p39, p18.
 

Material for the Test:

Serum

Time to Receive Results:

5 working days

Notes:

The Western Blot test is a confirmatory test for the antigenic specificity of antibodies that produced a positive reaction in the ELISA test. It should be performed after obtaining a positive or borderline ELISA test result. Additionally, a positive result for IgM antibodies is relevant for confirming Lyme disease only during the first 4 weeks of the disease. Specific IgM class antibodies may persist for several years after treatment.

IMPORTANT! The sample for testing can be collected at the Borlamed laboratory collection point at 4 Giuseppe Garibaldi Street, Suite 12A, in Warsaw!