Lyme disease test

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. According to the CDC, the most common test used to diagnose Lyme disease is the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, which looks for antibodies to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

What kind of testing is used to diagnose lyme disease?

The testing used to diagnose Lyme disease typically involves blood tests that look for antibodies against the bacteria that cause the disease. The two most common blood tests that are currently used are the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and the Western blot test, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Both of these tests require a sample of blood.

There are rare cases when a provider may find it necessary to test for lyme disease using a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This is usually recommended when symptoms affecting the nervous system are present, according to the NLM.

Can lyme disease be diagnosed without a blood test?

According to the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, lyme disease diagnoses’ are made with a combination of a physical exam, past history, and blood testing. In some cases, a diagnosis can be made based on physical examination alone. This usually happens if obvious signs and symptoms of lyme disease are present after a known tick bite in areas where lyme disease is known.

When should I get tested for lyme disease?

You should consider getting tested for Lyme disease if you have been bitten by a tick or if you have been in an area where lyme disease is common and you develop symptoms of lyme disease.

It is important to note that testing for Lyme disease is most accurate several weeks after infection, according to John Hopkins University. This is because it takes time for the body to produce antibodies.

If you are tested too soon after a tick bite, you may get a false negative result. For this reason, your healthcare provider may recommend repeating testing several weeks after the initial test if Lyme disease is still suspected.

What to expect when you get tested for lyme disease

For a blood test, a healthcare provider will use a small needle to gain access to a vein in your arm or hand. They will draw a small sample of blood this way, which will then be tested for lyme disease antibodies.

If nervous system symptoms, like a stiff neck or numbness of the hands or feet, are present your doctor may recommend a CSF test instead of a blood test. For this procedure, a healthcare provider will conduct a sterile procedure called a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. An area of the back is numbed with a numbing agent, and then a needle is passed between two vertebrae in the lower spine. A small sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken and then sent to a laboratory for testing.

Preparing for a lyme disease test

There are no special instructions for preparing for a lyme disease test, according to the NLM.

What happens when you test positive for lyme disease

If you receive a positive test result for lyme disease, the CDC recommends a second test be done for confirmation. If two positive results are acquired, treatment for an active infection is recommended. Treatment, according to the CDC, includes antibiotics. The most recommended antibiotics are:

• Doxycycline
• Amoxicillin
• Cefuroxime

Finding a lyme disease test

You can find and book a lyme disease test at most healthcare facilities, including:

• Walk-in clinics
• Urgent care clinics
• Primary care clinics
• Hospitals
• Walk-in laboratory

Can I test for lyme disease at home?

There are at-home tests available for lyme disease, however, it is important to note that these tests may be less accurate than medical-grade testing. It is also possible that you could receive a negative result if you test too early. If you are experiencing symptoms of lyme disease or you are worried that you may have lyme disease, you should speak with a medical provider.

Cost of lyme disease testing

The cost of lyme disease testing will vary depending on your location, your testing facility, and your insurance coverage. According to FindLabTest.com, the current national average of lyme disease tests in the United States is between $135 and $799.

More about lyme disease

What is lyme disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria borrelia burgdorferi. This bacteria is commonly transmitted by ticks, according to the CDC. In the United States, the CDC reports over 300,000 new cases each year.

Lyme disease has the potential of causing neurological and heart problems if left untreated. Additionally, around 60% of untreated cases will develop lyme arthritis, according to John Hopkins University.

How is lyme disease transmitted?

It is only possible to get lyme disease from a tick bite, according to the CDC. You cannot get lyme disease from any other insect, from an infected person, or from food or water.

Typically, a tick will need to be attached to you for 36 to 48 hours before it can give you lyme disease, according to the NLM.

Where is lyme disease most common?

Lyme disease can be anywhere, at any time. However, it is most prevalent between the months of April through October, according to John Hopkins University.

John Hopkins University also notes that the most common areas for lyme disease in the United States are:

• The Northeast
• Upper Midwest
• Mid-Atlantic
• Northwestern states, including the Pacific coast, especially northern California

Lyme disease symptoms to watch out for

The most common symptoms of lyme disease, as outlined by the CDC, are:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• A rash that looks like a bull’s-eye

It's important to note that not everyone with Lyme disease develops a bull's-eye rash, and some people may not experience any symptoms until weeks or months after the initial tick bite. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to Lyme disease, you should talk to your healthcare provider about whether testing is necessary.