New England · Lyme Disease Antibody Test – IgG, IgM Lab Testing
Lyme Disease Antibody Test – IgG, IgM Lab Testing in Connecticut
Below is a plain-language overview of the lyme disease antibody test – igg, igm lab testing. A Lyme disease antibody test checks for immune system proteins that may appear after a tick bite. It looks for both IgG and IgM antibodies to help assess possible exposure.
Lab requirements in Connecticut
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Lyme Disease Antibody Test – IgG, IgM Lab Testing in CT. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- In most cases, no special preparation is needed, but you should follow the specific instructions provided by the collection lab. If you take any medications or have other health conditions…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
This test detects antibodies the body may produce in response to Borrelia bacteria, which are spread by certain ticks. It separately measures IgM and IgG antibodies, two types of immune proteins that can appear at different stages after exposure. The test is typically used as part of a broader evaluation and is not a stand-alone diagnosis.
What it measures
- IgM antibodies — Immune proteins that may appear earlier after exposure
- IgG antibodies — Immune proteins that may appear later and can persist
What the test involves
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a standard blood draw. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test when someone has symptoms that could be consistent with Lyme disease or reports a tick bite from an area where the infection is known to occur. It is often used along with a physical exam and other information to help guide care.
Preparation
In most cases, no special preparation is needed, but you should follow the specific instructions provided by the collection lab. If you take any medications or have other health conditions, let the lab know before your appointment.
How results are reported
Results are typically reported as positive, negative, or equivocal for IgM and IgG antibodies, along with any numerical values the lab provides. Reference ranges and interpretive criteria can vary between laboratories, so your results should be discussed with the clinician who ordered the test.
Before you go
- Whether any medications or health conditions could affect the test
- The lab's specific preparation instructions before your appointment
- How and when you will receive your results
Cities
Lyme Disease Antibody Test – IgG, IgM Lab Testing in Connecticut communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.