Description
Why It’s Done:
This test is done to:
• Diagnose Lyme disease in its early stages, especially within the first few weeks of symptom onset.
• Identify the presence of a recent Borrelia infection, as IgM is the first antibody the body produces in response.
• Investigate symptoms such as:
o Bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans)
o Fever and chills
o Fatigue
o Muscle and joint aches
o Neurological symptoms in later stages
Preparation:
• No special preparation (such as fasting) is needed.
• Inform your doctor about:
o Any current medications or immune-related conditions, as these may affect results.
o Timing of symptoms—testing too early may result in a false negative, as IgM antibodies may take 1–2 weeks to appear.
• If you’re being tested as part of a follow-up or two-tier testing (EIA followed by Western blot), your provider will guide you accordingly.
