What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether Lyme disease antibodies were detected and what this means for your health. These notes include personalized recommendations about next steps, such as when to start treatment, lifestyle adjustments to support recovery, or whether further testing is needed. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your antibody levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful if you're monitoring treatment progress.

When will I get my results?

Most results are available within 3-5 business days after your blood sample is collected. If the initial screening is positive and requires the confirmatory immunoblot test, it may take an additional 1-2 days for the complete results. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for anyone who has been bitten by a tick or spent time in wooded or grassy areas where ticks are common, especially if you're experiencing suspicious symptoms. It's also valuable for people with unexplained joint pain, chronic fatigue, neurological symptoms, or a characteristic bull's-eye rash. Early detection is crucial because Lyme disease is much easier to treat in its early stages before it affects your nervous system or joints.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common early symptoms include a circular bull's-eye rash around the tick bite, flu-like symptoms with fever and chills, severe fatigue, headaches, and muscle or joint aches. As the infection progresses, you might experience migrating joint pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, facial paralysis, nerve pain, or memory problems. If you have any of these symptoms and remember a tick bite or outdoor exposure in the past few weeks or months, testing is recommended.

How can I prevent Lyme disease naturally?

Prevention starts with wearing long sleeves and pants when hiking or spending time in wooded areas, and using insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. After outdoor activities, do a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets, paying attention to hidden areas like behind the knees, in the hairline, and around the waistband. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight out, as quick removal greatly reduces infection risk.

What does a positive Lyme disease test mean?

A positive result means your immune system has produced antibodies against the Lyme disease bacteria, indicating you've been infected. This doesn't necessarily mean you're currently sick, but combined with symptoms, it confirms active or recent infection requiring treatment. Your doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics, which are very effective when started early, and most people recover completely with proper treatment.

How often should I retest for Lyme disease?

If your initial test is negative but you continue to have symptoms, your doctor may recommend retesting in 4-6 weeks, as antibodies can take time to develop after infection. For people being treated for Lyme disease, follow-up testing is usually not recommended to monitor treatment success, as antibodies can remain positive for months or years even after successful treatment. Instead, your doctor will monitor your symptoms to ensure they're improving.