What is the Lyme Disease (Borrelia Antibodies) IgG/IgM Test?

The Lyme Disease (Borrelia Antibodies) IgG/IgM test is a blood test that detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with Borrelia bacteria. These bacteria are transmitted through tick bites and are responsible for Lyme disease.

IgM antibodies typically appear in the early stages of infection, while IgG antibodies develop later and may persist for months or years. Testing both antibody types provides insight into the timing and likelihood of exposure.

This test is commonly used when Lyme disease is suspected based on symptoms, exposure history or unexplained multi-system illness.

Why do I need a test for Lyme Disease (Borrelia Antibodies)?

You may need this test if you have symptoms following a tick bite or if you live in or have travelled to areas where Lyme disease is prevalent. Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system and heart if left untreated.

Early identification supports timely antibiotic treatment and reduces the risk of long-term complications. Testing is also useful when symptoms are non-specific and other causes have been excluded.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Tick bite or tick exposure
• Expanding skin rash (erythema migrans)
• Joint pain or swelling
• Fatigue or flu-like symptoms
• Headaches or neck stiffness
• Nerve pain or tingling
• Facial weakness (Bell’s palsy)
• Memory or concentration difficulties

Benefits of the Lyme Disease (Borrelia Antibodies) Test

• Detects immune response to Borrelia infection
  Identifies antibody production following exposure.
• Assesses both early and late infection
  IgM and IgG provide timing context.
• Supports diagnosis when symptoms are unclear
  Useful in multi-system presentations.
• Guides timely treatment decisions
  Early detection reduces complication risk.
• Non-invasive blood-based testing
  No exposure to live organisms required.
• Supports investigation of chronic symptoms
  Useful in persistent or unexplained illness.
• Widely used in infectious disease assessment
  Established diagnostic approach.
• Complements clinical and exposure history
  Improves diagnostic confidence.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for Borrelia IgG and IgM antibodies.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Your Results Explained

Negative Result

No Borrelia IgG or IgM antibodies detected.
This suggests no evidence of Lyme disease, though very early infection cannot be fully excluded.

IgM Positive / IgG Negative

May indicate recent or early infection.
Clinical correlation and repeat testing may be advised.

IgG Positive (with or without IgM)

Suggests past or established infection.
Interpretation depends on symptoms, timing and treatment history.

Antibody results should always be interpreted alongside clinical findings.