Lyme Evidence Sheet
Reviewed 2026-07-24What can a positive Lyme antibody result mean?
A positive result from a complete recommended testing sequence shows antibodies were detected. Antibodies can remain detectable after infection, so the result alone does not establish whether infection is current.
What the evidence says
- CDC explains that antibodies can remain in the blood for months or years after infection is gone.
- CDC/APHL reporting guidance distinguishes the laboratory interpretation from a standalone diagnosis.
What this can tell you
- That the report detected antibodies in the completed testing sequence.
- Why prior history and timing matter in interpretation.
What this cannot tell you
- Whether infection is active from antibodies alone.
- Whether treatment worked from an antibody result alone.
A useful question for your clinician
How does this complete result fit my symptoms, timing, and any past Lyme history?
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 ↗