Lyme Evidence Sheet
Reviewed 2026-07-24What does equivocal or borderline mean?
Equivocal or borderline wording is not a complete yes-or-no answer by itself. It needs the full testing sequence and the laboratory’s final interpretation.
What the evidence says
- A positive or equivocal first-tier result is generally followed by second-tier testing in the recommended sequence.
- Laboratory reports can present the intermediate wording and final interpretation differently.
What this can tell you
- That one report term may not be the final interpretation.
- What wording to locate in the full report.
What this cannot tell you
- Whether Lyme is confirmed or ruled out without the complete sequence.
- Whether a website can read an incomplete report.
A useful question for your clinician
Was the second tier completed, and what is the laboratory’s final interpretation of the full sequence?
Sources (2)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ‘Testing and Diagnosis for Lyme Disease.’ https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/diagnosis-testing/index.html. Accessed July 24, 2026. Open source ↗
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Association of Public Health Laboratories. ‘Suggested Reporting Language, Interpretation and Guidance Regarding Lyme Disease Serologic Test Results.’ 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/media/pdfs/2024/05/Suggested-Reporting-Language-Interpretation-and-Guidance-Regarding-Lyme-Disease-Serologic-Test-Results.pdf. Open source ↗