Borrelia IgM antibodiesGet a prompt Lyme disease diagnosis to prevent complications
Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. B. burgdorferi is transmitted by black-legged ticks that are commonly found on vegetation and animals such deer, dogs, mice, horses, and birds in endemic areas.
When a person is bitten by a tick carrying B. burgdorferi, the bacteria can enter the body through the skin, often causing a characteristic rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. Untreated Lyme disease can spread throughout the body, affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. Generally, Lyme disease is effectively treated with a few weeks of antibiotics.
Who should consider Lyme Disease testing?
Testing for Lyme disease is recommended in people showing symptoms of infection or are at risk of infection.
- Early symptoms can include a characteristic rash called an erythema migrans rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches.
- Risk factors for Lyme disease include having recently removed a tick from your body or walked in a wooded area where ticks live without covering exposed skin or wearing repellant (particularly in the northeast or midwestern areas of the United States where most Lyme disease cases occur).
Headache and fatigue
Symptoms of Lyme disease
Early Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms usually appear 3–30 days after the tick bite and can include:
Erythema migrans (EM) rash
Fever and/or chills
Headache and fatigue
Muscle and joint aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Later Symptoms
Later signs and symptoms of Lyme disease may show up weeks to months after the tick bite and can include:
Severe headaches and neck stiffness
Shortness of breath
Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone)
More EM rashes
Arthritis
Irregular heart beat
Shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
What this test measures
IgG Antibodies to B. burgdorferi
When Lyme disease occurs, the body’s immune system produces antibodies that are specific to B. burgdorferi. IgM antibodies are produced within the first few weeks, followed by the production of IgG antibodies. This test detects IgM and IgG antibodies towards the VlsE1 and pepC10 antigens from B. burgdorferi in an initial screening test. Any preliminary positive or equivocal results from the initial screening test are then confirmed with additional testing following modified two-tier test methodology.
How It Works
Step 1. Order your test.
The kit will be delivered right to your doorstep. No appointments required and no need to leave the comfort of your home.
Step 2. Collect your sample.
Collect a painless fingerprick sample using the supplies included in the kit. Return your sample using the prepaid return packaging provided.
Step 3. Access your results online
Your sample will be tested as soon as it arrives at our lab. Access your results securely online within 1 to 3 days.
Lyme Disease FAQs
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this test. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
How does the Lyme Disease Test work?
Our lab uses a fully automated initial screening test to detect the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to B. Burgdorferi in the finger prick blood sample. Any preliminary positive or equivocal results from the initial screening test are then confirmed with additional testing following modified two-tier test methodology.
If I get a positive result, what should I do next?
Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to begin a course of antibiotics.
How is Lyme disease treated?
Oral antibiotic treatment in the early stages of Lyme disease usually results in rapid and complete recovery. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can also help prevent late Lyme disease. In the later stages of Lyme disease, longer courses of antibiotics and/or intravenous treatment with antibiotics may be required.
What are the ways to reduce the risk of Lyme disease?
Reducing exposure to ticks is the best way to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. Specific steps include:
- Treat clothing and gear with products that contain 0.5% permethrin
- Apply insect repellent
- Wear long pants and tuck them into socks or boots
- Avoid walking in wooded areas with high grass and leaf litter
- Check body, clothing, gear, and pets for ticks and remove any that are found
- Shower after being outdoors
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