Lyme Disease Test With Confirmation

Following the CDC-recommended two-step testing process, this Lyme disease blood test measures IgM and IgG antibody response to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that cause Lyme disease. If your initial test results are positive, a second test is done to confirm results using the same blood sample.

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.

No doctor’s visit needed.

This 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. 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.

Please note:?This test cannot diagnose Lyme disease on its own. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose a Lyme disease infection and prescribe medication, if required. They will review your results along with your medical history, signs and symptoms, medications, and any other test results.?Included with your purchase, you have the ability to discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider and, if your test results are abnormal, they may be able to provide you with treatment options.

Also, please note that IgG and IgM antibody levels may take several weeks after exposure (eg, tick bite) to become detectable, so early infections may return a negative result.

Additionally, Lyme antibodies can remain in your body for months or years after an infection has cleared. This means that a positive result may not indicate a current or active infection.

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