What are Lyme Disease Tests?
Lyme Disease Tests are laboratory tests used to detect evidence of infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart if left untreated.
Most Lyme Disease Tests work by detecting antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the infection rather than detecting the bacteria directly. Testing usually follows a two-step approach, beginning with an initial antibody screening test followed by a confirmatory test if the first result is positive or inconclusive.
How is the Test Performed?
Preparation
Preparing for Lyme Disease Tests is generally straightforward.
- Fasting is not usually required.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you recently had a tick bite or possible exposure to ticks.
- Provide information about your symptoms and when they started.
Collection
The test usually requires a blood sample, which is collected by a trained healthcare professional.
- The skin over a vein, usually inside the elbow, is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A sterile needle is inserted into the vein to collect blood into an SST collection tube.
- Once enough blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture site.
- The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort.
Lab Analysis
Testing generally begins with an initial screening assay, such as an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA). If the result is positive or equivocal, a confirmatory immunoblot or another approved confirmatory test may be performed. The results are interpreted together with symptoms, history of tick exposure, and clinical findings to determine whether Lyme disease is likely present.
What are the Symptoms that Prompt this Test?
Lyme Disease Tests may be recommended if you have symptoms of Lyme disease, especially if you live in or have travelled to areas where infected ticks are common or if you recall a recent tick bite.
Symptoms That May Prompt These Tests
Your healthcare provider may recommend Lyme Disease Tests if you experience:
- A circular or bull’s-eye skin rash (erythema migrans)
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Neck stiffness
- Facial weakness or facial paralysis
- If Lyme disease progresses without treatment, additional symptoms may include:
- Severe joint swelling and pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Heart rhythm abnormalities
- Dizziness
- Memory or concentration problems
Conditions That May Require These Tests
Lyme Disease Tests may also be performed if your healthcare provider suspects or is monitoring:
- Lyme disease
- Tick-borne infections
- Lyme arthritis
- Lyme carditis
- Neurological complications of Lyme disease
- Persistent symptoms following tick exposure
The decision to test is based on symptoms, physical examination findings, and the likelihood of exposure to infected ticks.
What are Normal Ranges for These Tests?
Lyme Disease Tests do not have a standard numerical normal range. Results are generally reported as:
Negative: No evidence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi was detected.
Positive: Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi were detected.
Equivocal or Indeterminate: The results are unclear and additional testing may be required.
Because antibodies may take several weeks to develop after infection, testing performed too early may produce negative results despite active infection.
“The reference ranges vary depending on the laboratory and the methodology used. Individuals must consult their healthcare provider for correct interpretation of the results.”
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Findings?
Abnormal Lyme Disease Test results may indicate current or previous exposure to the bacteria that cause
- Lyme disease.
- Positive Test Results
- Positive results may indicate:
- Current Lyme disease infection
- Previous Lyme disease infection
- Exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi
Since antibodies can remain in the body for months or years after infection, positive results do not always indicate an active infection.
Negative Test Results
Negative results generally suggest that Lyme disease is unlikely. However, false-negative results may occur if:
- Testing is performed too soon after infection.
- The body has not yet produced detectable antibodies.
- Antibiotics were started very early in the course of the disease.
If Lyme disease is still strongly suspected despite negative results, your healthcare provider may recommend repeat testing or further evaluation based on symptoms and exposure history.
Need Lyme Disease Tests? Book your appointment today for accurate tick-borne disease screening and expert diagnostic support.
