Lyme Disease Antibodies Test
A Lyme disease antibodies test is an immunoblot antibody test related to Lyme disease. It looks at antibodies the immune system may produce in response to the infection, and results are interpreted by a clinician in the context of history, symptoms, and the timing of a possible exposure.
About this test
When the immune system responds to an infection, it makes antibodies — proteins that recognize specific substances. An immunoblot is a type of laboratory method that looks for a pattern of these antibodies.
The test is done with a blood draw at a Quest patient service center. A phlebotomist collects a sample from a vein, usually in the arm, and the sample goes to the laboratory.
Who might consider this test?
- It is understandable to want clear answers after a possible exposure, and a clinician can help place the result in context supportively.
Test details
| Quest code | 8593 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immunoblot |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
This immunoblot test looks for a pattern of antibodies related to Lyme disease. It reflects part of the immune system's response rather than measuring the infection directly, which is why a clinician reads the antibody pattern alongside symptoms and history.
It also helps to remember what the test is not. An antibody pattern is one piece of information, not a standalone verdict, so a clinician may consider it together with the timing of a possible exposure and sometimes additional testing.
Why timing after exposure matters
The immune system takes time to build a measurable antibody response after an exposure. A sample taken very early can look different from one taken later, even in the same person. Because of this, a clinician considers when a possible exposure happened, when symptoms began, and when the sample was taken, and may revisit testing over time to see how the picture develops.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Lyme disease antibodies test measure?
It is an immunoblot antibody test that looks for a pattern of antibodies related to Lyme disease. It reflects part of the immune response, which a clinician interprets alongside symptoms, history, and the timing of a possible exposure.
Why does the timing of testing matter?
The immune system takes time to build a measurable antibody response, so a sample taken very early may look different from one taken later. A clinician considers the timing of a possible exposure and the onset of symptoms when reading results.
Can this test confirm Lyme disease on its own?
No single antibody test confirms an infection on its own. The result is interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history, and timing, and testing may be revisited over time as part of a broader evaluation.
How is the sample collected?
Through a routine blood draw at a Quest patient service center. A phlebotomist takes a small sample from a vein in the arm and sends it to the laboratory.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
Can I get the Lyme Disease Antibodies , Immunoblot test without a doctor's visit or insurance?
Yes. The $119 cash price includes an independent physician's order, so no referral is needed, and insurance is never involved.