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The Lyme disease test, also called a Lyme antibody test or Borrelia burgdorferi antibody test, is a simple blood test that looks for your body’s response to the Lyme germ.
A Lyme disease test, also known as Lyme serology or Lyme ELISA with confirmatory immunoblot, checks your blood for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. These antibodies can help show if your immune system has met the germ that causes Lyme disease. Early infections can be hard to catch on blood tests in the first couple of weeks, so doctors sometimes repeat testing or use a two step approach.
Common reasons: you have a tick bite and symptoms that your doctor wants to check, you have a target like rash that needs evaluation, you have flu like symptoms after time outdoors in a tick area, or you have joint pain, nerve symptoms, or heart symptoms that suggest Lyme and your doctor wants to confirm. We’re here to make the next step easy.
You’ll check in, meet a friendly phlebotomist, and we’ll take a small tube of blood from your arm. Your visit is quick and should take no longer than 30 minutes from check in to blood draw. Many labs send results to your doctor within two to five business days. If blood draws make you nervous, tell the team and we’ll help you feel at ease.
Yes, this is a quick, routine blood draw and is considered very safe. You might feel a quick pinch, notice a small bruise, or feel a little lightheaded for a moment afterward, but those effects usually fade quickly. Be sure to tell the staff if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, a rash or infection where blood will be drawn, or if you’ve fainted during blood draws before. The team will take extra care to keep you comfortable.
Simple prep: fasting is not usually needed for Lyme blood tests unless other labs are ordered. Drink water so your veins are easier to find. Bring your insurance card and a list of medicines and supplements. Wear sleeves that roll up with ease. If you’ve felt faint during past draws, tell the team so we can support you.
Your doctor may use this test when checking for early Lyme infection with fever and rash, later Lyme arthritis with swollen joints, Lyme related nerve issues such as facial weakness, or Lyme carditis that can affect the heartbeat.
Two tier Lyme testing: starts with an ELISA screen and confirms with an immunoblot for better accuracy. C6 or modified two tier algorithms: use two different blood screens and can help in early disease in some cases. PCR for Borrelia: looks for the germ’s genetic material in a joint or spinal fluid sample and is used in select cases guided by a doctor.
You can compare locations, see available times, and book online at participating labs. Many locations accept insurance, and coverage varies by plan and provider. Search by city or ZIP to find a convenient appointment nearby. We’re happy to help if you have questions about booking.
Book on LabFinder: find a lab today on our lab finder and request a test doctor guided.
The information on this page and throughout the LabFinder website and mobile app is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized medical advice or specific health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider directly.
The accuracy of a Lyme disease test depends on the stage of infection and the type of test used. The two-tier testing method recommended by the CDC—starting with an ELISA followed by a confirmatory Western blot—is considered highly accurate. However, false negatives can occur if the test is taken too soon after exposure, before the body has produced detectable antibodies.
Testing is usually most accurate 2 to 4 weeks after a tick bite, when your body has had time to develop antibodies. If symptoms like a bull's-eye rash, fatigue, or joint pain appear, consult a doctor immediately. Early testing may not always detect antibodies, so a follow-up test might be necessary if done too soon.
Yes, you can get tested for Lyme disease even without symptoms, especially if you've recently been in a tick-infested area or removed a tick from your body. Preventive testing is often requested by those who are unsure of exposure but want peace of mind or early detection. Always consult your provider for the best time to test.
You can book a Lyme disease test near you through platforms like LabFinder, which allow you to choose from nearby diagnostic labs and imaging centers. Many of these facilities accept insurance, helping you avoid high out-of-pocket costs. Use your zip code to search for options with same-day availability or weekend hours.
Most health insurance plans cover Lyme disease testing, especially when symptoms are present or you've had a known tick bite. Coverage may depend on your provider and the lab you choose. To avoid surprise billing, it’s best to verify with the lab or use platforms that list in-network options for Lyme testing with insurance.
If you receive a positive Lyme disease test result, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin to eliminate the infection. Early treatment is highly effective and can prevent long-term health issues. Your provider may also order additional tests to check for complications or co-infections from the tick bite.
Booking a Lyme Disease Test is easy using LabFinder. Just choose your location and enter your insurance information to find the closest Lyme Disease Test near you.
To make a same-day appointment for a Lyme Disease Test, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Lyme Disease Test location near you. If there's availability for a same-day appointment at a nearby lab location, then you will be able to book it easily through LabFinder.
LabFinder allows you to easily schedule a Lyme Disease Test. You can search by location and insurance to easily book a Lyme Disease Test near you.
LabFinder allows you to easily make an appointment for a Lyme Disease Test online. To make an appointment for a Lyme Disease Test online, just choose your location and your insurance information to find the closest Lyme Disease Test near you.
Yes, you can get a Lyme Disease Test without insurance. LabFinder allows you to search and select "Self-Pay" when booking a Lyme Disease Test. While pricing for the test may not be immediately available, please check by calling the lab company directly for pricing.
