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. In the context of Lyme disease, this test measures whether certain antibodies are present and reflects part of the immune response, which a clinician reads alongside the broader picture.
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. No special preparation is typically needed, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides. Because antibody testing depends on timing and context, the result is interpreted by a clinician rather than read at face value.
Who commonly orders it
People who order a Lyme disease antibodies test are often following up on a possible tick exposure, symptoms they want to understand, or a clinician's suggestion. Because the immune system takes time to build a measurable antibody response, and because results depend so much on timing and history, this test is most useful as part of a clinician-guided evaluation. It is understandable to want clear answers after a possible exposure, and a clinician can help place the result in context supportively.
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.
What to expect at your visit
No appointment is usually needed. People can walk into a Quest patient service center during open hours, and the draw itself is quick. A phlebotomist collects a small sample from a vein in the arm, and most visits wrap up in a few minutes. Once the laboratory completes its analysis, results are posted to the account, where they can be reviewed and shared with a clinician.
Your results
Results will be emailed securely to you as a PDF.
One-time price · physician order included · no insurance needed
Prefer a fuller panel?
A curated bundle groups this test with the markers clinicians most often review alongside it — often better value than single tests.
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?+–
Fasting is not usually required, but people should follow whatever preparation instructions their ordering clinician gives, since individual situations vary and can affect how results are read.
Can I get the Lyme Disease Antibodies , Immunoblot test without a doctor's visit or insurance?+–
Yes. The $129 cash price includes an independent physician's order, so no appointment or referral is needed, and insurance is never involved.