Lyme Disease
Why This Lyme Disease Test Matters
This Lyme Disease Blood Test at home service uses a venous blood sample to check for Borrelia antibodies (IgM and IgG), helping to confirm or rule out Lyme disease after a tick bite or unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, fever, or rash.
Don’t Let a Tick Bite Derail Your Life: Detect Lyme Antibodies Early – Before Symptoms Worsen
If you have been bitten by a tick or developed unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or a strange rash after spending time outdoors, a reliable Lyme disease blood test is essential to protect your long‑term health.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia species carried by ticks found across UK woodlands, grasslands, and parks. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications affecting your joints, nervous system, and heart, but many people face long waits for NHS investigations or struggle to access consistent testing.
If you’re concerned about other health markers, explore our General Health Blood Test for comprehensive screening.
At Bloodtest.co.uk, your sample is taken at home by a qualified nurse using a venous blood draw and analysed in a UK‑accredited laboratory using recognised Lyme antibody testing methods (IgM and IgG), with clear, GP‑shareable results typically available within 7 days.
Our service is led by experienced healthcare professionals and trusted by thousands of patients across the UK for fast, discreet, and accurate blood testing. Every result includes an easy‑to‑understand PDF report that you can review with your GP or specialist, helping you move quickly from worry to a clear treatment plan if needed.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms or tick exposure could be Lyme disease, this dedicated Lyme Disease Blood Test provides a focused check for Borrelia antibodies (IgM/IgG), so you can confirm or rule out infection, avoid unnecessary anxiety, and act early if treatment is required.
What This Lyme Disease Blood Test Measures
This Lyme Disease Blood Test is designed to check your immune response to Borrelia bacteria, the cause of Lyme disease, using a professionally taken venous blood sample at your home.
IgM Antibodies – Early Infection Signal
IgM antibodies are usually the first signals your immune system produces after exposure to Lyme disease. A positive IgM result can suggest a more recent or active infection and supports your doctor in deciding whether prompt antibiotic treatment is needed.
IgG Antibodies – Past Or Ongoing Response
IgG antibodies take longer to appear but can remain in your system for months or even years. A positive IgG result may indicate previous exposure or an ongoing immune response, helping to distinguish between a new infection and a past one.
Laboratory Analysis In A UK-Accredited Lab
Your sample is processed in a UK-accredited laboratory using recognised Lyme disease antibody testing methods. This ensures high analytical quality, consistent processes, and a clear report that your GP or specialist can confidently use alongside your symptoms and examination.
Professional Nurse Home Visit
Instead of struggling with finger-prick kits, a trained nurse visits your home to take a venous blood sample. This improves sample quality, reduces user error, and makes the process easier if you feel unwell or anxious about needles.
Clear, GP-Shareable PDF Report
You receive a concise PDF report explaining your Lyme antibodies, reference ranges, and whether your results fall inside or outside the expected range. You can share this directly with your NHS or private GP to support a diagnosis and treatment plan if required.
Key Benefits Of Our Lyme Disease Blood Test
Fast Access Without NHS Waiting Lists
Skip long GP referral times and access professional Lyme disease testing within days. Your nurse appointment is scheduled at your convenience, and results are typically ready within 7 days, helping you act quickly when early treatment matters most.
Accurate Venous Blood Sample – Not A Finger-Prick Kit
A qualified nurse collects your blood sample at home using the venous method, which is more reliable than finger-prick kits and reduces the risk of sample errors. This ensures the laboratory receives a high-quality sample for accurate antibody detection.
UK-Accredited Laboratory Standards
Your sample is analysed in a UK-accredited laboratory following recognised testing protocols for Lyme disease antibodies. This guarantees consistent quality, reliable reference ranges, and results that healthcare professionals trust and accept.
GP-Shareable PDF Report
Receive a clear, professionally formatted PDF report that explains your IgM and IgG antibody levels, reference ranges, and whether your results suggest Lyme disease. You can share this report directly with your NHS or private GP to support diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Discreet Home Nurse Visit
No need to visit a clinic or surgery. A professional nurse visits your home at a time that suits you, making the process easier if you feel unwell, have mobility concerns, or simply prefer private, convenient testing.
Early Detection Supports Better Outcomes
Lyme disease is most treatable in its early stages. By detecting antibodies quickly after a tick bite or the onset of symptoms, you give yourself the best chance of receiving prompt antibiotic treatment and avoiding long-term complications.
Trusted By Thousands Across The UK
Bloodtest.co.uk has completed over 2,000 tests across the UK, with patients, athletes, and health-conscious professionals trusting our service for fast, reliable, and confidential blood testing that supports their wellbeing.
We also offer specialised testing for thyroid health, vitamin D levels, and diabetes screening with the same convenient home nurse service.
Why Choose Blood Test UK For Your At-Home Lyme Disease Blood Test?
| Feature | Finger-Prick Kits | GP/NHS | Blood Test UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Quality | ❌ Capillary (finger-prick) | ✅ Venous (arm draw) | ✅ Venous blood by a qualified nurse |
| Antibody Detection | ⚠️ IgM/IgG (may be limited) | ✅ Full IgM/IgG panel | ✅ Full IgM/IgG Borrelia antibodies |
| Wait Time | ⚠️ 7–14 days postal | ❌ 2–6 weeks for NHS referral | ✅ Results in 2–3 days |
| Convenience | ⚠️ Self-prick at home | ❌ GP appointment + clinic visit | ✅ Nurse visits your home |
| GP-Shareable Report | ⚠️ Limited format | ✅ NHS record integrated | ✅ Professional PDF report |
| Lab Accreditation | ⚠️ Varies by provider | ✅ NHS-accredited | ✅ UKAS ISO 15189 accredited |
| Timing After Bite | ⚠️ No guidance | ✅ GP advises timing | ✅ Clear 2–6 week guidance |
Testing For Lyme Disease
If you’ve been exposed to ticks or are experiencing unexplained symptoms, a Lyme disease blood test at home is particularly useful if you:
- Have been bitten by a tick, especially if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours
- Spend time in UK woodlands, grasslands, parks, or areas known for tick activity
- Work or enjoy hobbies outdoors (hiking, camping, forestry, farming, gardening)
- Developed a circular “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans) after being outdoors
- Are experiencing unexplained fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, or flu-like symptoms
- Have persistent headaches, fever, or neurological symptoms after potential tick exposure
- Were previously treated for Lyme disease and want to monitor recovery
- Have been advised by your GP to rule out Lyme disease as part of a differential diagnosis
Lyme disease symptoms can be vague and overlap with other conditions, so a blood test is the most reliable way to confirm or rule out infection and discuss treatment options with your GP.
How Often Should I Have A Lyme Disease Blood Test?
The frequency depends on your exposure and symptoms:
- After a known tick bite: Test 2–6 weeks after the bite for the most accurate results, as antibodies take time to develop
- If symptoms appear: Test as soon as unexplained symptoms develop, even if you don’t recall a tick bite (many people don’t notice small ticks)
- Follow-up testing: If your initial test is negative but symptoms persist, your GP may recommend retesting after a few weeks
- Post-treatment monitoring: If you’ve been treated for Lyme disease, your GP may suggest follow-up testing to confirm recovery or check for lingering antibodies
- High-risk individuals: People who work or spend significant time outdoors in tick-prone areas may benefit from periodic screening if they develop symptoms
Note: These are general guidelines. Your GP or specialist may recommend a different testing schedule based on your symptoms, exposure history, and treatment plan.
Can I Use These Results With My GP?
Yes. Your results are formatted as a professional PDF report that you can easily share with your NHS or private GP, infectious disease specialist, or other healthcare provider.
What Your Report Includes:
Borrelia antibody results for both IgM and IgG, showing whether antibodies to Lyme disease have been detected
Clear reference ranges indicating positive, negative, or equivocal results based on UK laboratory standards
Laboratory accreditation details confirming the test meets professional diagnostic standards
Easy-to-understand format designed for both you and healthcare professionals, with guidance on next steps
Important To Remember:
Only a qualified healthcare professional who knows your full medical history and symptoms can diagnose Lyme disease
Your GP may want to correlate your test results with your symptoms, tick bite history, and physical examination before making a diagnosis
Antibodies may take 2–6 weeks to develop after infection, so early testing can produce false negatives—your GP may recommend retesting if symptoms persist
Never start antibiotic treatment without medical advice, even if your test is positive
If you have severe symptoms such as facial paralysis, heart palpitations, severe joint swelling, or neurological changes, seek urgent medical attention
This test gives you the information you need to have an informed conversation with your doctor about your tick exposure, symptoms, and whether Lyme disease treatment is appropriate.
Understanding Your Lyme Disease Antibody Results:
Your results will show whether IgM and IgG antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi have been detected, alongside reference ranges. While we provide clear explanations in your report, your GP or infectious disease specialist is best placed to interpret your results in the context of your symptoms, tick bite history, and any clinical examination findings.
Nurse appointments fill up fast — book now to secure your preferred date.
Other Questions
A Lyme disease blood test helps confirm or rule out infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. If you:
- Have been bitten by a tick or spent time in tick-prone areas (woodlands, grasslands, parks)
- Developed a circular “bull’s-eye” rash, unexplained fatigue, joint pain, fever, or flu-like symptoms
- Want peace of mind after potential tick exposure
- Need results quickly to start treatment early and prevent complications
Early detection allows for prompt antibiotic treatment, which is most effective in the first few weeks of infection. Without testing, Lyme disease can progress to affect your joints, nervous system, and heart.
This test checks for antibodies your immune system produces in response to Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria:
- IgM antibodies: Usually appear 2–4 weeks after infection and indicate a recent or active infection
- IgG antibodies: Develop later (4–6 weeks or more) and can remain for months or years, indicating past or ongoing infection
The test uses a venous blood sample taken by a qualified nurse at your home, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of sample errors common with finger-prick kits.
Collection method: Venous blood sample taken at home by a qualified nurse
Sample type: Blood
Results available: Typically 2–3 days after the sample reaches the laboratory
Laboratory: UK-accredited facility using recognised Lyme disease antibody testing protocols
Report format: Clear PDF report with antibody results, reference ranges, and guidance for your GP
Best time to test: 2–6 weeks after tick bite or symptom onset for most accurate results
B.burgdorferi IgG
B.burgdorferi IgG antibodies develop later — usually after a few weeks — and may remain detectable for months or even years. A positive IgG result can indicate a past infection or ongoing immune response.
B.burgdorferi IgM
B.burgdorferi IgM appear early in the infection, typically within the first few weeks. A positive IgM result may suggest a recent or current infection.
Evidence Behind Our Lyme Disease Testing
Our at-home Lyme disease blood test service is aligned with UK clinical guidelines and international laboratory standards, ensuring your results are suitable for supporting Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment decisions.
- Two-tier antibody testing for Lyme disease: UK and international guidance recommends using antibody tests (ELISA followed by immunoblot/Western blot when needed) to detect immune responses to Borrelia burgdorferi, with IgM antibodies indicating recent infection and IgG antibodies suggesting past or ongoing immune response.
(Source: UK Health Security Agency Lyme disease guidance, NICE Lyme disease diagnosis and management) - Timing of antibody detection: Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi typically take 2–4 weeks (IgM) or 4–6 weeks (IgG) to develop after a tick bite, meaning testing too early may produce false negatives and retesting may be needed if initial results are negative but symptoms persist.
(Source: NICE Lyme disease laboratory testing recommendations, UK Health Security Agency testing guidance) - Clinical correlation is essential: Lyme disease diagnosis should never rely on blood test results alone—your GP or specialist must consider your symptoms, tick bite history, rash appearance (such as erythema migrans), and physical examination alongside test results to make an accurate diagnosis.
(Source: NICE Lyme disease diagnosis recommendations, NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary on Lyme disease) - Venous blood sampling for accuracy: Venous blood collection provides sufficient sample volume and consistent quality for laboratory antibody testing, reducing the risk of sample errors and false results that can occur with finger-prick capillary samples.
(Source: UK Health Security Agency laboratory guidance) - Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories covering sample handling, testing protocols, and result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your Lyme disease antibody results are reliable and suitable for clinical use.
(Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview)
These guidelines and standards shape how we design our Lyme disease tests, choose venous blood collection, and partner with UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited laboratories, so your results are produced to the same quality benchmarks used for decision‑making in NHS and private healthcare settings.
Preparing For Your Lyme Disease Blood Test
Lyme disease antibody testing does not require fasting, so you can prepare for your Lyme disease blood test at home with minimal disruption to your normal routine.
- No fasting needed – you can eat and drink normally before your test. Antibody levels are not affected by food or drink on the day of testing.
- Take your usual medicines – unless your doctor or nurse tells you otherwise, continue taking your regular medications. Antibody tests are not affected by most common medications, but if you are already taking antibiotics for suspected Lyme disease, inform your GP as this may affect interpretation of results.
- Stay hydrated – drinking water before your appointment can make the blood draw easier and more comfortable for the nurse.
- Note the date and location of any tick bites – if you remember when and where you were bitten by a tick, write this down to share with your nurse and GP. This information helps with interpreting your test results and timing.
- Document any symptoms – make a note of when symptoms started (rash, fatigue, joint pain, fever) and take photos of any rashes, especially circular “bull’s-eye” rashes. Your GP will use this alongside your blood test results.
- Bring any previous Lyme test results – if you have had Lyme disease testing before, comparing results can help track antibody changes over time and determine if infection is recent or past.
- Wear comfortable clothing – choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample to be taken from your arm.
If you are unsure about medication, have any health conditions that might affect testing, or have any questions about tick exposure or symptoms, your nurse can answer these during your appointment.
How it Works
Read about Fingerprick VS Venous blood sample 
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Lyme Disease Blood Test FAQs
How Soon After A Tick Bite Should I Get Tested For Lyme Disease?
Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi take time to develop, so testing too early may produce a false negative. For the most accurate results, wait at least 2–4 weeks after a tick bite before testing. If you develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, or joint pain sooner, contact your GP immediately—they may start treatment based on clinical assessment even before test results are available.
Do I Need To Fast Before A Lyme Disease Blood Test?
No. Lyme disease antibody testing does not require fasting. You can eat and drink normally before your nurse appointment, making this test convenient and easy to fit into your daily routine.
What Does A Positive Lyme Disease Test Mean?
A positive result means antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi have been detected in your blood, suggesting you have been exposed to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Share your results with your GP, who will consider your symptoms, tick bite history, and clinical examination before confirming a diagnosis and recommending antibiotic treatment if appropriate.
What If My Test Is Negative But I Still Have Symptoms?
A negative result may mean you were tested too early, before antibodies developed, or that your symptoms are caused by something other than Lyme disease. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your GP—they may recommend retesting in a few weeks or investigating other potential causes such as viral infections, arthritis, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS GP?
Yes. Your results are provided as a professional laboratory report in a format suitable for sharing with NHS or private GPs, infectious disease specialists, or other healthcare providers. The report includes all necessary technical information and reference ranges used in UK clinical practice, and your GP can use it to support diagnosis and treatment decisions.
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
The nurse visit typically takes 10–15 minutes. The blood sample itself only takes a few minutes to collect using a venous draw from your arm, with a little extra time for paperwork and answering any questions you may have about the test or Lyme disease symptoms.
When Will I Get My Results?
Results are typically available within 5–7 days of your blood sample reaching the laboratory. You'll receive your results by email as a clear PDF report that you can save, print, or share with your GP for discussion and next steps.
Is Lyme Disease Common In The UK?
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in the UK, with an estimated 3,000–4,000 cases diagnosed each year. However, many cases go undiagnosed or unreported. Ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi are found in woodlands, grasslands, parks, and moorlands across the UK, particularly in southern England, the Scottish Highlands, and rural areas of Wales and Northern Ireland.
Can I Take This Test If I'm Already On Antibiotics?
Antibiotics treat the bacterial infection but do not immediately remove antibodies from your blood. If you've already started antibiotic treatment, consult your GP about the best timing for testing. In some cases, your GP may prefer to test before starting treatment, or may use the test to monitor your immune response during or after treatment.
What Should I Do If I Find A Tick On My Skin?
Remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull upwards steadily without twisting. Clean the area with antiseptic. Note the date and location of the bite, and monitor for symptoms such as a rash, fever, or joint pain over the following weeks. If you develop symptoms or the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, contact your GP and consider a Lyme disease blood test 2–4 weeks after the bite.
