Description
Lyme Disease Blood Test — What It Is and Why It’s Important
A Lyme Disease Blood Test is designed to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. It’s particularly useful if you’ve recently spent time in wooded or grassy areas and are now experiencing unexplained symptoms.
One of the earliest signs of Lyme disease is a distinctive circular rash that may appear around the site of the bite — often resembling a bullseye. However, not everyone develops this rash, and the infection can go unnoticed until other symptoms emerge. These can include persistent fatigue, fever, chills, muscle aches, joint pain (especially in the knees), swollen lymph nodes, and headaches. Some people experience neck stiffness, nerve-related issues such as tingling or numbness, and in more advanced cases, facial drooping or an irregular heartbeat.
Because these symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions, Lyme disease is sometimes misdiagnosed or overlooked. That’s where a blood test comes in. The test checks for IgM and IgG antibodies that your immune system produces in response to the infection. These antibodies take time to appear, so the test is most accurate a few weeks after a tick bite or the onset of symptoms.
Early detection is crucial. If Lyme disease is caught early, it can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications involving the joints, nervous system, or heart. If you’re experiencing these symptoms or have been in an area where ticks are common, a Lyme Disease Blood Test can help provide the clarity you need to take the next step in treatment and recovery.
How often should I have a Lyme Disease blood test?
We recommend checking your blood for antibodies if you have a bite that causes symptoms listed below.
Our Nurses visit your Home or Work to take your blood.
Pick a time and date to suit you.
Your results are available online within days of your blood being taken.
Other Questions
- Recent tick bite
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Circular rash
- Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 1-2 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
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.
How it Works
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.
