What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or fatigue after a tick bite or spending time in areas known for ticks, especially in the northern or upper Midwest United States. It helps check for exposure to Babesia microti, the parasite that causes babesiosis, a tickborne illness. This is especially useful if your symptoms started days or weeks after outdoor activity in wooded or grassy areas.

What's included in this test?

This test measures two types of antibodies your immune system makes in response to Babesia microti exposure. Checking both types together gives a fuller picture of whether an infection is recent, ongoing, or happened in the past, since each antibody type shows up and fades at different points in the illness timeline.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative result means and how it compares to the normal range. If your IgM or IgG antibodies come back positive, next steps typically include watching for worsening symptoms like high fever, drenching sweats, or dark urine and seeking medical care right away if those occur, since babesiosis can become serious quickly. You can download the full lab report from your account any time, and if you get tested again later, the trends feature lets you track how your antibody levels change over time.

How can I naturally support my immune system while recovering from a tickborne illness?

Getting enough sleep, staying well hydrated, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein all help your immune system work at its best while fighting off infection. Light movement like walking can help with energy and mood, but it's best to avoid intense exercise until you're feeling stronger. Reducing stress through activities like meditation or spending time outdoors (tick-free areas) can also support recovery. These steps support your body's natural defenses but don't replace medical care if your symptoms are severe.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification once your results are posted to your account, where you can view a full breakdown of what each antibody level means.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who has been bitten by a tick or spent time in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas in regions where babesiosis is common, particularly the northeastern and upper Midwestern U.S., should consider this test if they develop symptoms like fever, chills, headache, or fatigue. It's also worth considering if you've been diagnosed with another tickborne illness like Lyme disease, since co-infections with Babesia are common. People with weakened immune systems, older adults, or those without a spleen should be especially cautious, as babesiosis can be more severe in these groups.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include fever, chills, sweats, headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes nausea or loss of appetite, usually appearing one to several weeks after a tick bite. Some people also notice dark urine or mild jaundice if the infection affects red blood cells. Because these symptoms overlap with other tickborne diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, testing helps pinpoint the actual cause.

What does a positive IgM result mean?

A positive IgM result usually suggests a recent or active Babesia infection, since IgM antibodies typically show up early and fade within a few months. However, IgM can sometimes stay elevated longer than expected, so the result is best understood alongside your symptoms and how recently you may have been exposed to ticks. If your IgM is positive and you're feeling unwell, it's important to seek medical care promptly, especially if you have fever, fatigue, or other concerning symptoms.

What does a positive IgG result mean?

A positive IgG result generally points to a past infection, since IgG antibodies develop later than IgM and can remain detectable in your blood for years after the illness has resolved. This doesn't necessarily mean you're currently infected, but it does mean your body has encountered Babesia microti at some point. If you're having new symptoms despite a past positive IgG, retesting or checking IgM levels can help clarify whether this is a new or repeat exposure.

How often should I retest?

If your first test comes back negative but you're still having symptoms, retesting a few weeks later is a good idea since antibodies can take time to develop after infection. If you had a confirmed case of babesiosis, your doctor's guidelines aside, many people choose to retest periodically to see how their antibody levels change over time as they recover. Using the trends feature in your account makes it easy to compare results side by side.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Babesia Antibody Test - Tickborne Illness Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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