Lyme Disease Screening

This test is a blood test that checks whether your immune system has made antibodies to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It starts with a broad screening test; if that result is positive or borderline, the lab automatically runs a more specific follow‑up immunoassay (the “reflex”) to confirm. IgM antibodies can suggest a more recent infection, while IgG usually appears later. Very early after a tick bite (first 1–2 weeks) the test can be negative even if infected, and antibodies can stay positive for months to years after successful treatment.

Common signs and symptoms:
- Early (days to weeks): expanding red rash (often “bull’s‑eye,” but not always), fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes.
- Weeks to months: multiple rashes, facial droop (Bell’s palsy), severe headache/stiff neck, shooting pains, numbness/tingling, dizziness, eye issues (conjunctivitis, light sensitivity, blurry vision), heart rhythm issues/palpitations, shortness of breath.
- Later: swollen, painful joints (especially knees), ongoing nerve pain or numbness, memory or concentration problems, gait trouble.

How people get it:
- From the bite of an infected blacklegged (“deer”) tick found in wooded/grassy areas; tiny nymph ticks in late spring/summer are common culprits.
- Ticks usually need to be attached for about 24–36+ hours to transmit Lyme; quick removal lowers risk.
- Not spread person‑to‑person or by mosquitoes; pets don’t transmit it directly but can bring ticks indoors.

If you think you may have been bitten by a tick, this test is for you.