Lyme disease blood test

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is most commonly spread by infected ticks and can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including fever, rash, joint pain, facial paralysis, memory loss, and more. It is important to detect Lyme disease early, as it can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.

Preparing for a Lyme Disease Blood Test

Before taking a Lyme disease blood test, it is important to speak to your doctor about any medications and supplements you are taking that could affect the results. These may need to be stopped for a period of time before the test. Additionally, if you have had a tick bite recently, it is important to inform your doctor, as this can affect the results of the test.

Procedure

The most common type of test done for Lyme disease is an ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This test is done with a blood sample and looks for antibodies to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. If the test is positive, it indicates that your body has been exposed to the bacteria, but it does not necessarily mean that Lyme disease is present. Further testing is usually done to confirm.

Types

Other types of tests used to diagnose Lyme disease include the Western Blot test, PCR test, blood culture, and others. A Western Blot looks for specific antibodies to Lyme disease, while a PCR test looks for DNA from the bacteria itself. A blood culture can detect the presence of the bacteria in the blood. Depending on the results of the initial ELISA, your doctor may order one of these other tests for further confirmation.

Risks and Complications

The risk of complications from a Lyme disease blood test is very low. Occasionally, some people may experience minor bruising or discomfort at the site of blood draw. There is also a very small risk of infection at the site of insertion, but this is rare.

Why It’s Done

Lyme disease can cause a variety of serious health problems if it is not detected and treated early. A Lyme disease blood test is an important tool in diagnosing the disease and can help to ensure that treatment is started before it causes more serious complications.

When to Get Tested

If you suspect you may have been exposed to a tick or have had a recent tick bite, it is important to speak to your doctor. They may decide to order a Lyme disease blood test. It is also important to have yourself tested if you are experiencing any symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a rash, fever, joint pain, or facial paralysis. It is best to have the test done as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis.