What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms like fever, fatigue, joint pain, or a rash after a possible tick bite. It's also useful if you spend time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas where ticks are common and you're worried about Lyme disease exposure. The test checks whether your body has produced antibodies in response to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with each value's normal range explained in plain language. If your result is positive or unclear, the report will walk you through what that means and suggest retesting or watching for symptoms that need urgent attention. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and you can track results over time using the trends feature if you get tested again later. If symptoms are severe, such as high fever or facial drooping, seek medical care right away.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common early signs of Lyme disease include a bullseye-shaped rash, fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle or joint aches, usually within days to weeks of a tick bite. Later symptoms can include joint swelling, nerve pain, or heart palpitations if the infection isn't caught early. If you've spent time outdoors in an area known for ticks and notice any of these symptoms, this test can help clarify what's going on.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being tested. This timeframe allows for the two-step testing process, since a positive or unclear first screen triggers additional antibody testing on the same sample. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a known or suspected tick bite, especially in regions like the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, or upper midwestern United States, should consider this test if they develop symptoms. It's also worth considering if you live in or travel to wooded, grassy, or brushy areas where ticks are common. People with unexplained joint pain, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms after spending time outdoors may also benefit.

What is Lyme disease and why does it matter?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. If it's not caught and addressed early, the bacteria can spread to joints, the nervous system, and the heart, causing more serious long-term problems. Catching it early generally leads to a much easier recovery.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means antibodies against the Lyme bacteria were detected in your blood, suggesting current or past infection. Keep in mind that antibodies can stay in your system for months or years after an infection clears, so a positive result should be considered alongside your symptoms and possible tick exposure. Retesting or monitoring symptoms can help clarify an active versus past infection.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means no antibodies were detected, which usually suggests no current or past Lyme infection. However, if you were bitten very recently (within about 14 days), your body may not have made enough antibodies yet for the test to detect, so a repeat test later may be helpful if symptoms continue. Tracking any new symptoms over the following weeks is a good idea.

How often should I retest?

If your first test comes back negative but you were recently bitten or symptoms persist, retesting about 2-4 weeks later can catch antibodies that hadn't developed yet. If you've been treated for Lyme disease, retesting generally isn't needed to confirm a cure, since antibodies can linger long after the infection is gone. Talk with a specialist about the right retesting schedule if your situation feels unclear.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive or unclear, review the details in your report and consider your recent tick exposure and symptoms together. Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms like joint swelling, nerve pain, or heart palpitations. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek medical care as soon as possible.

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.

Lyme Disease Test - Tick Bite Antibody 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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