Lyme IgG/IgM/IgA Screen (230)

Overview:

The Lyme IFA detects antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) against B. burgdorferi. Seroconversion usually occurs 2-3 weeks after infection and may remain elevated in cases of persistent disease. A positive or equivocal result is preliminary and should be confirmed with IgG and IgM Western Blot. This IFA indirectly detects pathogen-specific IgG or IgM antibodies in patient serum using the following steps:

Step 1: Patient serum is added onto the slide with fixed pathogens. If pathogen-specific IgG or IgM antibodies are present in the human serum, they will bind to the fixed pathogen on the slide.

Step 2: Unbound serum is removed by washing the slide with a wash buffer, and a fluorescent-labelled anti-human antibody is added.

Step 3: After washing of the excess secondary antibody, the slide is viewed under a fluorescent microscope. If pathogen-specific antibodies are present in the human serum, the fixed pathogen on the slide will fluoresce bright green when viewed with a fluorescent microscope.

Stage of Disease: Early Disease

Test Methodology: Serology