Question 1

What's this test for?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal if you've been bitten by a tick or spent time in areas where Lyme disease is common and are experiencing symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, fever, or a bullseye rash. It helps confirm whether you have antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, which is important for getting proper treatment. Many people use this test when they suspect Lyme disease but need definitive confirmation after an initial screening test comes back positive or unclear.

Question 2

What happens after I get my results?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether Lyme disease antibodies were detected and what that means for your health. These notes include guidance on next steps, such as whether antibiotic treatment may be needed, how to monitor ongoing symptoms, or when follow-up testing might be helpful. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your antibody levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially useful if you're monitoring treatment progress or recovery.

Question 3

What's included in this test?

Accepted Answer

This test measures 18 Kd (IgG) Band, 23 Kd (IgG) Band, 23 Kd (IgM) Band, 28 Kd (IgG) Band, 30 Kd (IgG) Band, 39 Kd (IgG) Band, 39 Kd (IgM) Band, 41 Kd (IgG) Band, 41 Kd (IgM) Band, 45 Kd (IgG) Band, 58 Kd (IgG) Band, 66 Kd (IgG) Band, 93 Kd (IgG) Band, Lyme Disease Ab(IgG) Blot, and Lyme Disease Ab(IgM) Blot. This immunoblot test examines specific antibody bands (both IgG and IgM types) that your immune system produces in response to Lyme disease bacteria. It looks at multiple protein markers at different molecular weights (like 23, 39, and 41 Kd bands) to provide highly specific confirmation of Lyme disease exposure. This detailed antibody profile helps distinguish true Lyme infection from false positives and is the gold standard second-step test recommended by the CDC after an initial screening.

Question 4

How should I prepare for this test?

Accepted Answer

No special preparation is typically required for this test. However, it's important to note that this is a confirmatory test meant to follow a positive or unclear initial Lyme screening result. The CDC does not recommend using this immunoblot test as a first step, as it may lead to false positives if used alone. Results typically take about 7 business days, though this may be extended if additional confirmation testing is needed.

Question 5

When will I get my results?

Accepted Answer

Results are typically available within 7 business days after your sample reaches the lab. If additional confirmation testing is required, the turnaround time may be extended. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready, and you can access them online along with easy-to-understand doctor notes explaining what your antibody results mean.

Question 6

Who should consider getting this test?

Accepted Answer

This test is specifically for people who have already had a positive or indeterminate Lyme disease screening test and need confirmation. It's also appropriate if you have symptoms consistent with Lyme disease, a history of tick exposure, and live in or have visited areas where Lyme is common (particularly the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest regions). Your doctor may recommend this if you've had the characteristic bullseye rash or are experiencing ongoing joint pain, neurological symptoms, or fatigue after potential tick exposure.

Question 7

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Accepted Answer

Common early symptoms of Lyme disease include a circular bullseye rash around the tick bite, fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Later symptoms can include severe joint pain and swelling (especially in the knees), shooting pains or numbness, heart palpitations, dizziness, or neurological problems like facial paralysis. If you've had tick exposure and experience any of these symptoms, especially the characteristic rash, this confirmatory test may be warranted after initial screening.

Question 8

What does a positive result mean?

Accepted Answer

A positive immunoblot result means specific Lyme disease antibodies were detected in your blood, confirming exposure to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This indicates you likely have or had a Lyme infection that requires or required treatment. It's important to discuss results with your healthcare provider, as they'll determine if antibiotic treatment is needed based on your symptoms, exposure history, and how long you may have been infected.

Question 9

What does a negative result mean?

Accepted Answer

A negative immunoblot result means specific Lyme disease antibodies were not detected at levels meeting CDC criteria for a positive diagnosis. However, if you were tested very early after tick exposure (within the first few weeks), antibodies may not have developed yet and retesting may be needed. A negative result combined with a negative screening test generally rules out Lyme disease, though your doctor may consider other conditions if symptoms persist.

Question 10

How can I prevent Lyme disease exposure?

Accepted Answer

Prevent tick bites by wearing long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas, using EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, and walking in the center of trails away from vegetation. After outdoor activities, do thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets, and shower within two hours if possible. Remove any attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping close to the skin and pulling straight up, as transmission risk increases after 36-48 hours of attachment.

Question 11

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Lyme Disease Test After Tick Bite - Antibody Confirmation

Lyme Disease, Antibodies (IgG, IgM), Immunoblot

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Lyme Disease Test After Tick Bite - Antibody Confirmation

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

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