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May 15, 2024 · CDC recommends the use of FDA-cleared antibody tests for laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease. As with antibody tests for other infectious diseases, the accuracy of these tests depends upon how long you've been infected.
People also ask
What tests are available for Lyme disease (B burgdorferi)?
Can a Lyme disease test be done at home?
Can new tests be developed for Lyme disease?
- Overview
- A quick look at the best at-home Lyme disease tests
- What is Lyme disease?
- Should you get a test for Lyme disease?
- Comparison of at-home test kits for Lyme disease
- How we chose the best at-home Lyme disease tests
- How to choose the right at-home Lyme disease test for you
- Where is Lyme disease most common?
- What is an at-home Lyme disease test, and how does it work?
- Can Lyme disease be treated?
•What it is
•When to get tested
•Our picks
•Comparison
•How we chose
•How to choose
•Best for quick turnaround: LetsGetChecked At-Home Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
•Best for ease of use: Everlywell Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
•Best for testing other tick-borne illnesses: IGeneX Tick-Borne Disease Testing | Skip to review
If you live near a highly wooded area lush with plants, you’ve likely heard of Lyme disease.
In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 24,000 confirmed and probable disease cases. But other estimates suggest that around 476,000 people are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease in a year.
Here’s more about Lyme disease, plus how to get tested at home.
The Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria cause Lyme disease. Black-legged or deer ticks carry the disease after feeding on infected deer, birds, or mice, and pass it to humans through a tick bite.
The CDC says that black-legged ticks need to be attached for at least 36–48 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease.
Most ticks that transmit the bacteria to humans are nymphs, which are immature ticks. According to the CDC, these are about the size of a poppy seed. This means that they’re harder to see and remove promptly.
Many people who develop Lyme disease don’t remember seeing or feeling a tick bite, as these insects can be smaller than a pinhead.
You may want to get tested for Lyme disease if you’re experiencing symptoms and you either:
•know a tick bit you
•recently spent time in an area where ticks are common
However, if you’re currently experiencing bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans)—the sign most people who develop Lyme disease exhibit—it’s best to see a doctor rather than take an at-home test. That’s because the outlook for Lyme disease is best when treated early.
*Note that the $20 cost is for the kit only. Other costs, including a doctor’s visit, are not included.
When choosing at-home Lyme disease tests to feature, we looked at:
•affordability
•accuracy
•ease of directions
To select the best tests, we look at studies and user reviews.
We also included an option that is shipped to your home but still requires a trip to the lab. It may be a good option for people who don’t want to do a finger prick themselves.
Most Lyme disease tests check for the presence of Borrelia-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. IgM antibodies indicate you may be fighting off a current infection, while IgG antibodies indicate that your body has been exposed to a strain of Borrelia and has tried to fight it off in the past.
Other tests offer additional services, such as DNA analysis, that may help predict the nature of your body’s response to Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is concentrated in certain areas because there are specific environmental conditions that help support it. According to data collected between 2008 and 2015, the vast majority of Lyme disease occurs in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions of the United States.
High-incidence states include:
•Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and other parts of New England
•Delaware
•Maryland
•Minnesota
An at-home Lyme disease test will typically be a blood finger prick test.
If you have been exposed to the Borrelia bacteria that leads to Lyme disease, your body will have created one or two antibodies to fight it off. The test will look for the presence of both types of antibodies, known as Borrelia-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG).
You will receive your test kit along with account information so that you can get your test results as soon as they’re ready. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly as they are described.
Each test has different instructions, so it’s important to read the kit’s detailed information before getting started.
Yes. If Lyme disease is treated soon after a tick bite, the outlook is great. Most cases of Lyme disease respond to a 2- to 4-week round of antibiotics.
If Lyme disease goes untreated, it can be more difficult to eliminate. For some, it can lead to inflammation of the joints, heart, and nervous system. The progression of the disease and its severity can vary from person to person. So, treatment even years later can make a difference.
Serological testing for Lyme disease primarily uses US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–cleared tests for immunoglobulin M (IgM) or immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to B burgdorferi, guided by symptoms and the timeline of exposure. 2,15,16 Two to 4 weeks following the tick bite, positive antibody results for IgM and negative results for ...
The CDC recommends two-step testing, sometimes referred to as a two-tiered test, for Lyme disease. You will need to go to a lab to have blood drawn. It takes a few days to get results. If the first test comes back positive or unclear, the lab will do the second blood test.
Feb 10, 2023 · If you live where Lyme disease is common, the rash might be enough for a diagnosis. A diagnosis usually depends on the following: A review of all signs and symptoms. A history of known or possible exposure to ticks. Blood tests to find disease-fighting antibodies to the bacteria.
May 15, 2024 · Key points. Laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease relies on serologic testing for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. CDC recommends a two-step serologic testing process using FDA-cleared assays. Serologic assays may be falsely negative during the first 4-6 weeks after infection.
Jun 6, 2024 · Failure to promptly identify tick bites and subsequent infection can lead to serious long term health complications from Lyme disease. This article delves into the top 5 best Lyme disease tests, providing critical insights into each option.
