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Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is a tick-borne infectious disease that can cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. Lyme disease tests, which are available in major pharmacies, retail stores, and online, may help people who believe they have contracted the infection.
- Best for a quick turnaround: LetsGetChecked Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
- Best easy-to-use option: Everlywell Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
- Best in-person test: Quest Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
- Best for multiple collection methods: IGeneX Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
This article explores Lyme disease and some test kits that individuals can consider buying. It also describes when a person should speak with a doctor and includes some frequently asked questions.
Lyme disease is an infection that develops from the Borreliabacterium. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the
The bacterium spreads to humans through the bite of a black-legged tick — also known as the deer tick — carrying the infection. These insects can only transmit the bacteria if they have been attached to the skin for
However, most people contract the infection through nymphs. These are tiny, immature ticks fewer than 2 millimeters in size and equivalent to the size of poppy seeds, making them hard to detect.
The
- fever
- chills
- headaches
- fatigue
- muscle aches
- erythema migrans rash that may feel warm
Untreated Lyme disease can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, causing individuals to experience:
- nerve pain
- numbness in the hands or feet
- inflammation in the brain and spinal cord
- neck stiffness
- heart palpitations
- irregular heartbeat
- Bell’s palsy
Furthermore, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that even with treatment, some symptoms may become permanent. Some people also develop arthritis or confusion, or experience concentration difficulty during the months or years following the initial tick bite.
People can find many at-home Lyme disease tests online.
They typically come with instructions, and most companies require individuals to collect their samples at home and mail it to a lab for testing. The lab then issues the results; a person can access them via email or a company’s online portal.
People may also be able to speak with a company’s medical team to discuss their results and, if applicable, any next steps.
Medical News Today chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria where possible:
- Laboratories: MNT will choose companies that process test samples in
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
- Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
- Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
- Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
At-home testing may be more convenient and discreet than a healthcare clinic or office. It may also be cheaper than paying for a visit to a physician.
However, at-home test results do not consider a person’s circumstances. For example, it does not know a person’s medical history.
In addition, not all at-home testing services connect people with a healthcare professional to discuss the results and any next steps. People who use services that do not allow them to contact healthcare professionals may misinterpret results.
It is also important to consider if an at-home test checks for the same markers as a clinical test from a physician. If a test does not screen for the same markers as a test from a healthcare professional, there is a risk of a person receiving a false negative.
At-home Lyme disease tests are unlikely to follow the
According to MedlinePlus, people should arrange for a Lyme disease test if they develop symptoms and have recently removed a tick.
Individuals may require multiple tests if they believe they have Lyme disease. This is because many tests check for the presence of antibodies, which may take weeks to develop.
There are several differences between at-home and in-person Lyme disease tests. A person may consider these differences before choosing which one to purchase.
At-home tests
It is simple to purchase an at-home test: A person chooses which company to buy from and waits for the company to ship the test to their home.
However, this means that a person does not always purchase a test at the recommendation of a healthcare professional. Several conditions, such as Lyme disease, have an incubation period. This means that the antibodies at-home tests screen for may not be present for several weeks.
If a person wishes to use at-home testing, they should purchase from a company that recommends when to test to ensure they do not receive a false negative.
Once a person receives the test, they collect the sample. The company that provides the test should always include clear instructions and all the tools a person needs to collect a sample, such as a blood lancet or a urine container.
It is important to collect the sample correctly. Incorrect collection may invalidate the results of the test. Once a person has collected the sample, they send it to the company’s laboratory.
Most companies give a person their test results within a week of receiving the sample. Some may offer consultations with a healthcare professional upon receiving a positive result.
However, this means those who receive a negative result but still experience Lyme disease symptoms may wonder about their next steps.
Finally, the
In-person tests
Undergoing an in-person test can be quite different from an at-home test.
Firstly, a healthcare professional will take a history and ask questions such as whether a person has been exposed to ticks. They may also consider other diagnoses before ordering Lyme disease tests, as ticks
A qualified technician will take appropriate blood samples. This reduces the risk of an invalid sample.
Healthcare professionals will follow the CDC’s recommendation of two-step testing. People can also discuss positive or negative test results and any next steps.
At-home vs. in-person test comparison
The following table provides a quick overview of the differences between at-home vs. in-person testing for Lyme disease.
| At-home | In-person | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to get | online | healthcare professional |
| Order process | choose a test and pay | a physician will take a history before ordering a test |
| Where to collect the sample | at home by the individual | at a lab by a qualified technician |
| Results time | within a week of the lab receiving the sample | may vary depending on the lab |
| Healthcare professional advice | only on receipt of a positive result, and varies by company | on receipt of a positive or negative result |
| Follows CDC’s two-step testing recommendation | unlikely | yes |
| Benefits | more convenient, discreet, and may be less expensive | less chance of an invalid sample and advice on the next steps regardless of the test result |
| Disadvantages | more likely to take a sample incorrectly and may not have access to a healthcare professional after receiving the test results | likely to be more expensive |
To find the right at-home Lyme disease test, a person should consider whether:
- the at-home test measures the same levels as a clinical test from a doctor
- test kit samples are sent to CLIA-certified laboratories
- the company provides users access to support from medical professionals
- the total cost of the test kit suits their budget
- the company provides test results in a timely, private, and convenient way
- they are confident in their ability to collect a good sample
According to the
They do not need to perform another test if they receive a negative result. However, if their first test is positive or indeterminate, it is best to test again.
The CDC states the overall result is only positive for Lyme disease when the first and second tests produce a positive result.
Tests detect IgM and IgG antibodies that the body produces in response to an infection. The IgM antibodies appear early in response to the exposure, while the IgG antibodies appear 4–6 weeks after the infection and can persist for years.
However, individuals may develop antibodies several weeks after exposure. Therefore, those who test before the antibodies develop can get a false negative.
False positives can occur if a person has other conditions, including:
- spirochetal diseases, such as syphilis
- bacterial and viral infections
- some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to help prevent late Lyme disease and its symptoms, including chronic Lyme arthritis and Lyme carditis.
A person should speak with a doctor if they have a tick bite or believe it has bitten them after visiting tick-prone regions.
They should also seek medical help if they experience any signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. These
- erythema migrans, or Lyme disease rash
- fever
- chills
- fatigue
- headaches
- swollen lymph nodes
Undetected and untreated Lyme disease can spread and affect more areas, such as the joints, heart, and nervous system. Additional symptoms may include:
- concentration issues
- joint problems
- irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- facial palsy
- conjunctivitis
People who develop new symptoms despite having had Lyme disease should speak with a medical professional.
To self-test for Lyme disease, a person can order an at-home test kit from one of the companies online, such as the four discussed in this article. Many companies do not require a person to consult with a medical professional first.
However, note that antibodies for Lyme disease can take weeks to develop, which could result in a false negative. Additionally, the CDC recommends two-step testing to avoid false positives. Look for at-home test companies that provide access to medical professionals to help a person take proper action after testing.
Medical professionals analyze a blood sample and look for antibodies to test for Lyme disease. For some people, physicians may recommend collecting a sample of cerebral spinal fluid for analysis.
The two most common antibody tests are the ELISA and the Western blot.
However, it can take as long as 30 days for a person to develop antibodies for Lyme disease, so if they get tested soon after exposure, they could get a “false negative.”
Additionally, the CDC recommends two-step testing because there is also a risk of “false positive” tests, since antibodies can linger in a person’s system after the infection is gone.
According to the CDC, three common signs of Lyme disease are:
- an erythema rash that resembles a bullseye develops at the site of the tick bite in 70-80 percent of persons who get Lyme disease
- fatigue
- muscle and joint aches
Yes, people can test for Lyme disease years after exposure.
The body produces antibodies after a Lyme disease infection, which tests then screen for to provide a positive or negative result.
The CDC states that the body can produce these antibodies for months or years after the initial infection, even if the bacteria is no longer present. Therefore, it is always important to make an appointment with a doctor for further investigation if a person tests positive years after exposure.
Lyme disease is an infection that spreads through the bite of a black-legged tick. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in reducing the chance of complications.
People can find test kits online, many offering a fingerprick collection.
Many companies work with CLIA-certified labs and issue results within a few days. Some also have a nursing team to discuss results and further treatment with the individual if required.