Lyme Disease Test With Confirmation

Our Lyme Disease Test measures the level of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), antibodies produced in the blood in response to Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through the bite of blacklegged ticks, which are commonly called deer ticks. Ticks usually acquire Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria by biting infected animals, such as deer and small rodents. For Lyme disease to be transmitted, an infected tick needs to be attached to the host for 36 to 48 hours.

The immune system's natural defense against Borrelia bacteria is to produce specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) to help fight off the infection. Antibodies are proteins created by the immune system that target specific foreign threats, such as bacteria and viruses, including Borrelia bacteria spread by a tick bite.

Because it takes time for antibodies to develop in response to Borrelia burgdorferi infection, testing at the right time is essential. IgM antibody levels usually reach their highest levels in a few weeks after infection, whereas IgG antibodies develop more slowly, appearing from about 4 to 6 weeks following infection. Testing should be considered for individuals with possible exposure to infected blacklegged ticks based on the presence of recognizable signs and symptoms of infection.

Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms depending on the stage of infection. Seek medical attention if you are having heart or neurologic symptoms, especially if you have had a tick bite, live in an area known for Lyme disease, or have recently traveled to an area where Lyme disease is common.

A common, early sign of Lyme disease is a bullseye rash (known as erythema migrans) greater than the size of a quarter. It appears in 70% of people infected with Lyme disease. If left untreated, Lyme disease can produce a wide variety of signs and symptoms, depending on the stage of infection.

Early signs and symptoms (3 to 30 days after a tick bite) may include:

• Bullseye rash
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Fatigue

Later signs and symptoms (days to months after tick bite) may include:

• Nervous System
  • Severe headaches and neck stiffness
  • Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face)
  • Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Problems with short-term memory
• Heart
  • Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
• Other
  • Additional erythema migrans rashes on other areas of the body
  • Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees and other large joints o Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones
  • Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath

If you are experiencing moderate or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report.

You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results and treatment options, if applicable.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.

Together, you and your physician may develop a personalized plan to treat your condition.

If a medication is prescribed, it will be sent by the physician to the pharmacy of your choice.