What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing fever, headache, muscle aches, or a spotted rash after a recent tick bite or outdoor exposure. It helps check whether your symptoms are caused by Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or a related rickettsial infection like rickettsial pox. Catching this early matters because these infections can become serious if left untreated.

What's included in this test?

This test checks your blood for IgG antibodies your immune system makes in response to spotted fever group rickettsial bacteria. If the initial screen is positive, a reflex titer is automatically run to measure how strong the antibody response is, which helps confirm an active or past infection. This two-step approach gives a more accurate picture than a single screening result alone.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what's considered a normal versus elevated antibody level. If your result comes back positive, seek medical care promptly since spotted fever infections can worsen quickly without proper treatment. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you're retested later, the trends feature lets you track how your antibody levels change over time.

How can I naturally support my immune system during recovery?

While antibiotics are typically needed for confirmed rickettsial infections, supporting your body with rest, hydration, and a nutrient-rich diet can help your immune system recover. Foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and protein support the immune response during illness. Avoid strenuous activity until symptoms fully resolve, and monitor your temperature and rash closely, seeking medical care right away if symptoms worsen.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification once your results are posted to your account, where you can view the values along with easy-to-understand explanations. If the reflex titer is triggered, this may add a small amount of extra processing time.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with recent tick exposure or outdoor activity in wooded or grassy areas who develops fever, headache, or a rash should consider this test. It's also useful for people living in or traveling to regions where Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is common. If you've had a known tick bite and are worried about infection, this test can help clarify what's going on.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common warning signs include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle or joint pain, nausea, and a rash that often starts on the wrists and ankles before spreading. Symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks of a tick bite. If you notice these symptoms along with recent outdoor exposure, testing can help identify the cause quickly.

What does a high antibody titer mean?

A high or rising IgG titer usually means your immune system is actively responding to a rickettsial infection, either currently or in the recent past. The higher the titer, the stronger the immune response detected. Because timing matters with this type of infection, a high result paired with symptoms should prompt you to seek medical care right away.

What causes a positive rickettsia antibody result?

A positive result is most often caused by exposure to Rickettsia rickettsii, the bacteria behind Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, typically transmitted through a tick bite. Other related spotted fever group bacteria, like R. akari, can also trigger a positive result. Living in or visiting areas with high tick populations increases your risk of exposure.

How often should I retest?

If you were tested early in the illness, retesting in 2 to 4 weeks can help confirm the diagnosis by showing a rise in antibody levels, since early results can sometimes be falsely negative. If you're being monitored after treatment, your retest timing depends on how your symptoms progress. Use the trends feature in your account to keep track of multiple results over time.

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 Infection Check

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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