Lyme Disease Antibody Screen (Enzyme Immunoassay – EIA/ELISA)
Test Overview:
The Lyme Disease Antibody Screen is the initial test used to detect the presence of antibodies (IgM and IgG) against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA), commonly referred to as an ELISA, is used to screen for an immune response to Lyme disease. If this screening test yields a positive or equivocal result, a second confirmatory test, such as the Western Blot, will be conducted to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Test Name:
Lyme Disease Antibody Screen (EIA/ELISA)
Labcorp Test Number:
ELISA Test Code: 164226
CPT Codes:
- Initial ELISA: 86618 (x2)
- If the ELISA is positive, additional CPT codes for Western Blot analysis (86617) will apply.
How the Test is Used:
- The ELISA test is the first step in diagnosing Lyme disease by screening for antibodies in the blood.
- It detects both IgM antibodies, which indicate early infection, and IgG antibodies, which develop later and can remain detectable even after the infection has been treated.
- If the ELISA test is positive, a follow-up Western Blot is performed for confirmation, as recommended by the CDC.
What Does the Test Detect?
- IgM Antibodies: These are typically present in the early stages of Lyme disease, indicating a current or recent infection.
- IgG Antibodies: These are generally produced later in the disease process and may persist for years after the infection, showing past exposure or a longer-term infection.
Lyme Disease Symptoms: What to Watch For
Lyme disease can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, affecting various parts of the body. Symptoms can evolve over time, with early signs often differing from more advanced stages of the disease.
Early Symptoms:
- Skin Rash (Erythema Migrans):
- Appears a few days after a tick bite or may not appear at all.
- The rash can last several weeks, varying in size from small to up to 12 inches in diameter.
- Often resembles a “bull’s-eye” but can be mistaken for other skin conditions like hives or sunburn.
- The rash may itch, feel warm, or go unnoticed if painless, and can fade and reappear weeks later.
- Flu-Like Symptoms (within days or weeks of the tick bite):
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Muscle and joint aches
- Low-grade fever and chills
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
Advanced Symptoms:
If untreated, Lyme disease can progress, causing more severe symptoms weeks to months after the initial infection.
- Neurological and Heart-Related Issues:
- Inflammation of the nervous system, such as meningitis or facial muscle paralysis (Bell’s palsy).
- Heart inflammation (myopericarditis) or irregular heart rhythms (Lyme carditis).
- Eye inflammation, including red eyes or vision disturbances.
Late-Stage Lyme Disease (months to years later):
- Chronic joint inflammation (Lyme arthritis), particularly in large joints like the knees.
- Neurological issues such as numbness, tingling, nerve pain, or cognitive difficulties (memory problems, concentration issues, speech impairments).
Post-Lyme Disease Syndrome (PLDS)
Even after completing antibiotic treatment, some individuals may continue to experience lingering symptoms, a condition known as Post-Lyme Disease Syndrome (PLDS) or Chronic Lyme Disease. These symptoms may include:
- Persistent joint or muscle pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Cognitive issues such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating
While antibiotics typically resolve Lyme disease, the speed and completeness of recovery depend on early treatment. In some cases, post-treatment symptoms may persist, but long-term antibiotic use is generally not recommended. Over time, most people see improvement with appropriate symptom management.
CDC Testing Guidelines:
The CDC recommends a two-step testing process for Lyme disease. Start with the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA/ELISA) for initial screening, and if positive, confirm with a Western Blot. This approach helps prevent false positives, as other conditions may trigger an immune response similar to Lyme disease.
Takeaway: Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the long-term effects of Lyme disease. If you suspect you may have Lyme disease getting tested is first step.