Clovis, NM · Southwest
Lyme Disease Antibody Test – IgG, IgM Lab Testing Blood Test in Clovis
Lyme Disease Antibody Test – IgG, IgM Lab Testing is a laboratory test you can request directly in Clovis, NM. A Lyme disease antibody test checks for immune system proteins that may appear after a tick bite. It looks for both IgG and IgM antibodies to help assess possible exposure.
Lab requirements in Clovis
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Lyme Disease Antibody Test – IgG, IgM Lab Testing in Clovis, NM. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- In most cases, no special preparation is needed, but you should follow the specific instructions provided by the collection lab. If you take any medications or have other health conditions…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
This test detects antibodies the body may produce in response to Borrelia bacteria, which are spread by certain ticks. It separately measures IgM and IgG antibodies, two types of immune proteins that can appear at different stages after exposure. The test is typically used as part of a broader evaluation and is not a stand-alone diagnosis.
What it measures
- IgM antibodies — Immune proteins that may appear earlier after exposure
- IgG antibodies — Immune proteins that may appear later and can persist
What the test involves
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a standard blood draw. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test when someone has symptoms that could be consistent with Lyme disease or reports a tick bite from an area where the infection is known to occur. It is often used along with a physical exam and other information to help guide care.
Preparation
In most cases, no special preparation is needed, but you should follow the specific instructions provided by the collection lab. If you take any medications or have other health conditions, let the lab know before your appointment.
How results are reported
Results are typically reported as positive, negative, or equivocal for IgM and IgG antibodies, along with any numerical values the lab provides. Reference ranges and interpretive criteria can vary between laboratories, so your results should be discussed with the clinician who ordered the test.
Requesting this test in Clovis, NM
Clovis is a large town in Southwest, and residents here have stable access to clinical laboratory services. Because wide-open communities like Clovis sit within a wider Southwest network, it helps to plan a lab visit rather than improvise one.
This directory exists so anyone in Clovis can read what a test measures, understand what it involves, and request it directly without a guess.
Your request stays confidential, and you choose where the specimen is collected. Because individual collection sites differ, double-check the lab's own instructions on preparation, timing, and cost.
Before you go
- Whether any medications or health conditions could affect the test
- The lab's specific preparation instructions before your appointment
- How and when you will receive your results
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IgM and IgG antibodies?
IgM antibodies are usually the first type to appear after an infection, while IgG antibodies tend to develop later and may remain detectable for a longer time. Testing for both can help provide a more complete picture of the immune response.
Can this test tell me if I currently have Lyme disease?
Antibody tests alone cannot confirm an active infection because they may stay positive long after the bacteria are gone. They are usually interpreted together with symptoms, possible tick exposure, and sometimes additional testing.
How long after a tick bite should I get tested?
It can take several weeks after exposure for antibodies to become detectable, so testing too early may lead to a negative result even if an infection is present. A clinician can advise on the best timing based on your situation.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Fasting is not typically required for a Lyme antibody test. However, always follow the preparation instructions given by the lab that will collect your sample.
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