How soon after a tick bite should I get tested?

Wait at least 2 weeks, ideally 4-6 weeks after the bite or symptom onset. Testing too early (within days of a bite) will likely be negative because your body has not yet produced detectable antibodies. If you develop the characteristic rash, start treatment immediately without waiting for test results.

Can this test tell if my Lyme disease is cured?

No. Antibodies can remain positive for months or even years after successful treatment. A positive test does not mean you still have active infection. Post-treatment monitoring relies on symptom resolution, not repeat antibody testing.

What if my test is negative but I still have symptoms?

False negatives can occur, especially if tested too early. If clinical suspicion is high (tick exposure, endemic area, compatible symptoms), your doctor may retest in 2-4 weeks, try empiric antibiotic treatment, or consider other tick-borne co-infections like Anaplasmosis or Babesiosis.

I found a tick on me - should I get tested right away?

Not immediately. Most tick bites do not transmit Lyme (the tick must be attached for 36-48 hours). Monitor for symptoms for 30 days. If you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, see a doctor promptly. Prophylactic antibiotics within 72 hours of a high-risk bite may be recommended in some cases.

Does this test detect other tick-borne diseases?

No, this test is specific to Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). Other tick-borne infections like Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever require separate tests. In endemic areas, co-infection is possible and additional testing may be warranted.

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🛡️ Autoimmune

Lyme Disease Antibody Test

Lyme Disease

Screens for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Important for anyone with tick exposure or unexplained symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or neurological issues.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (deer ticks). It is the most common tick-borne illness in North America and Europe.

This test detects antibodies (IgM and IgG) your immune system produces in response to the infection. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics is crucial - untreated Lyme can progress to affect joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

The classic "bull's-eye" rash (erythema migrans) only appears in about 70-80% of cases, making blood testing important for diagnosis, especially when the rash is absent or atypical.

Testing timing matters: Antibodies take 2-6 weeks to develop after infection. Testing too early may give false negatives. If initial test is negative but symptoms persist, retesting in 2-4 weeks is recommended.

Price

$16

All-in

$34

incl. $18 lab & physician fee

Results

3-5 business days

Fasting

Not Required

What's Measured

Lyme IgG

Lyme IgM

What This Test Measures

This test uses a two-tier testing approach recommended by the CDC:

First tier - Screening (EIA/ELISA):

Detects IgM and IgG antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi
Highly sensitive but may have false positives

Second tier - Confirmatory (if screening positive):

Western blot testing for specific antibody bands
IgM Western blot: Positive if 2 of 3 specific bands present
IgG Western blot: Positive if 5 of 10 specific bands present

IgM antibodies appear first (1-2 weeks) and indicate recent/acute infection IgG antibodies appear later (4-6 weeks) and persist longer

Who Should Consider This Test

Anyone with known or suspected tick bite, especially in endemic areas (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Upper Midwest). People with symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease: expanding rash, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, facial palsy, or neurological symptoms. Those with unexplained chronic fatigue, arthritis, or neurological issues who live in or have traveled to tick-endemic regions.

Health Insights

Conditions Screened

Lyme diseaseEarly localized LymeEarly disseminated LymeLate Lyme diseasePost-treatment Lyme disease syndrome

Related Symptoms

Tick biteBull's-eye rashFatigueJoint painMuscle achesFeverHeadacheFacial paralysisNumbness or tinglingSwollen lymph nodes

When to Get Tested

Test 2-6 weeks after suspected tick exposure or symptom onset. Testing immediately after a bite is not useful - antibodies have not yet developed. If you have the classic bull's-eye rash, treatment should begin immediately without waiting for test results. Retest in 2-4 weeks if initial test is negative but clinical suspicion remains high.

No fasting needed. How to prepare for your blood test →

Understanding Your Results

Negative: No antibodies detected. If tested within 6 weeks of exposure and symptoms persist, consider retesting.

Positive/Reactive: Antibodies detected - indicates current or past Lyme infection. Does not distinguish between active infection and successfully treated past infection, as antibodies can persist for months to years.

Equivocal/Indeterminate: Borderline result - typically requires repeat testing in 2-4 weeks.

Important: A positive test in someone without symptoms or exposure history may be a false positive. Clinical correlation is essential - test results should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and exposure history.

What to Expect

After placing your order, we send it straight to Quest Diagnostics — there is no consent form to sign and no partner email to wait for. Your requisition is usually ready to download from your dashboard within about an hour, and you can book your blood draw at any Quest Diagnostics location.

The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 3-5 business days and will appear in your secure JustLabs dashboard.

Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.

How much does the Lyme Disease test cost?

The Lyme Disease test costs $16 at JustLabs — $34 all-in, since the $18 lab & physician order fee is charged once per order, however many tests you add. The price is fixed before your blood draw; no insurance or doctor visit needed.