What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a recent tick bite and want to know whether the tick was carrying Borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Instead of waiting to see if symptoms develop, you can send in the actual tick for identification and DNA testing. This helps you understand your risk right after exposure, especially if you live in or visited an area known for ticks.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, showing the tick species identified and whether Borrelia DNA was detected, along with an explanation of what each result means. If Borrelia DNA is found, watch closely for symptoms like a rash, fever, joint pain, or fatigue over the following weeks and seek medical care if they appear. A downloadable lab report is available from your account for your records, and if you submit ticks from future bites, you can track results over time using the trends feature. No special retesting schedule is needed since this is a one-time analysis of a specific tick.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who was recently bitten by a tick and was able to remove and keep it should consider this test, especially people in wooded, grassy, or high-risk areas for Lyme disease. It's also useful for parents checking on a child's tick bite, hikers, campers, and outdoor workers. If you're unsure whether the tick was attached long enough to transmit disease, this test adds useful information.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You don't need symptoms to use this test — it's meant to be used right after finding an attached tick, before symptoms even start. However, if you've had a tick bite and later notice a bullseye-shaped rash, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain, that's a strong reason to get the tick tested and watch your health closely. Early detection helps you respond faster.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of the lab receiving your tick sample. Turnaround can vary slightly depending on whether the tick needs species identification before moving to the Borrelia DNA testing step. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account.

What is Borreliosis and why does it matter?

Borreliosis is another name for Lyme disease, an infection caused by Borrelia bacteria that ticks can carry and transmit through their bite. It matters because untreated Lyme disease can lead to lasting joint, nerve, and heart problems, but it's very treatable when caught early. Testing the tick itself gives you a head start on knowing your risk.

What does a positive Borrelia DNA result mean?

A positive result means the tick that bit you was carrying Borrelia bacteria, which means there's a chance the bacteria could have been passed to you during the bite. It doesn't automatically mean you're infected, but it's a signal to monitor yourself closely for symptoms like rash, fever, or joint pain in the coming weeks. If symptoms appear, seek medical care promptly since early treatment works best.

What does a negative Borrelia DNA result mean?

A negative result means no Borrelia DNA was detected in the tick, which lowers the likelihood that you were exposed to Lyme-causing bacteria from that particular bite. It's still a good idea to keep an eye on the bite site for a few weeks, since no test is completely perfect. If you feel unwell despite a negative result, don't ignore new symptoms.

How can I naturally reduce my risk of tick-borne illness?

Simple habits go a long way: check your body and clothing for ticks after being outdoors, shower soon after coming inside, and remove any attached tick promptly and completely with fine-tipped tweezers. Wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, and using tick repellent, can also lower your chances of being bitten in the first place. Keeping your yard trimmed and free of leaf litter helps reduce tick populations around your home.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If Borrelia DNA is detected in the tick, keep a close watch on the bite area and your overall health for the next several weeks. Note any new symptoms like a rash, fever, fatigue, or joint pain, and seek medical care right away if they show up since early treatment is most effective. Even without symptoms, it's smart to mark the bite date on a calendar so you can track any changes 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.

Tick Borrelia DNA Test - Lyme Disease Risk 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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