What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing fever, headache, muscle aches, or a spotted rash after a tick bite or outdoor exposure in wooded or grassy areas. It helps identify infection from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or related rickettsial illnesses so you can get clarity on what's causing your symptoms. It's especially useful if symptoms started within two weeks of spending time outdoors in tick-prone regions.

What's included in this test?

This test measures two types of antibodies your immune system makes in response to rickettsial bacteria. IgM antibodies typically show up first and suggest a recent or active infection, while IgG antibodies appear later and can indicate a past or ongoing exposure. If initial results are positive or unclear, the lab automatically runs additional titer testing to confirm the diagnosis and gauge infection severity.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account with each value's normal range clearly explained so you know exactly what the numbers mean. If your IgG or IgM antibody levels come back elevated, the report will guide you on next steps, and because this illness can progress quickly, seek medical care right away if you have a high fever, rash, or feel very unwell. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you retest later, the trends feature lets you track antibody changes over time.

How can I naturally support my immune system while recovering?

While antibiotics are typically needed to clear a rickettsial infection, supporting your body with rest, hydration, and nutritious food can help your immune system fight back more effectively. Foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and protein support immune function and tissue repair during recovery. Avoid strenuous activity until symptoms fully resolve, and always seek medical care promptly if fever or rash worsens, since this infection can become serious without proper treatment.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Because rickettsial infections can progress quickly, if you develop worsening symptoms like high fever, confusion, or a spreading rash before your results are back, seek medical care immediately rather than waiting.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who has recently been bitten by a tick or spent time in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas and is now experiencing fever, headache, muscle pain, or a rash should consider this test. It's also useful for people living in or traveling to regions where Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or rickettsial pox are common. Outdoor workers, hikers, and pet owners with frequent tick exposure are good candidates as well.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for fever, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, and a rash that often starts on the wrists and ankles before spreading. Symptoms usually appear within 2-14 days after a tick bite. If you notice these signs, especially alongside known tick exposure, testing can help identify the cause quickly.

What is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and why does it matter?

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a bacterial infection spread by tick bites that can cause serious illness if not treated early. It matters because the disease can progress rapidly, sometimes leading to organ damage or worse if antibiotics aren't started promptly. Early detection through antibody testing gives you a head start on treatment and recovery.

What does a high antibody result mean?

A high IgM result usually means you have a recent or active rickettsial infection, while a high IgG result can mean either a current infection or one you had in the past. The reflex titer testing helps clarify which scenario applies to you by measuring how concentrated the antibodies are. Any high result paired with symptoms like fever or rash should prompt you to seek medical care right away.

How often should I retest?

If your first test is done very early in the illness, antibody levels may not yet be detectable, so retesting 2-4 weeks later can help confirm or rule out infection. Once you've recovered, retesting generally isn't necessary unless you have new symptoms after another possible tick exposure. Tracking your results over time in your account can help you and any future testing decisions stay organized.

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.

RMSF Antibody Test - Tick-Borne Fever Detection

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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