How to Get Tested for Lyme Disease: FAQ Guide

Published April 1, 2025

Understanding how to get tested for Lyme disease is essential for anyone who suspects tick exposure or experiences related symptoms. This guide provides everything you need to know, from recognizing symptoms to understanding test methods and interpreting results.

Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi¹ or, in rare cases, Borrelia mayonii.² These bacteria are transmitted through the bites of infected blacklegged ticks (deer ticks). While these ticks are most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest regions of the U.S., they are spreading to more areas.³ Each year, more than 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease.³

What Are the Symptoms and Risks of Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease symptoms can vary depending on how long it has been since the infection. The most well-known symptom is erythema migrans (EM), a rash that appears in 70–80% of cases within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.⁴ This rash often resembles a bull’s-eye or target.

Early Symptoms (First Days to Weeks):

• Achy muscles or joints
• Bullseye rash
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes

Later Symptoms (Weeks to Months):

Without treatment, Lyme disease can progress and cause:

• Arthritis in large joints (e.g., knees)
• Dizziness or shortness of breath
• Facial palsy (drooping on one or both sides of the face)
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in hands or feet
• Problems with short-term memory
• Severe headaches and neck stiffness
• Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
• Additional erythema migrans rashes on other areas of the body

Long-Term Risks (If Left Untreated):

• Polyneuropathy (nerve damage)
• Persistent arthritis
• Cognitive issues such as “brain fog”¹

If you have any of these symptoms, even if you don’t experience the typical rash, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term complications. Learn more about Lyme disease and its symptoms.

What Tests Are Used to Detect Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease testing typically involves blood tests that measure your body’s immune response to the infection. Here’s an overview of the most common test types:

• Blood Antibody Tests: These measure immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. These antibodies develop in response to Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and are most detectable 4–6 weeks after symptoms appear⁵
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Tests: In cases where Lyme disease affects the nervous system, a CSF test may be used to confirm the diagnosis⁷

Why and When Should You Get Tested for Lyme Disease?

It’s crucial to get tested for Lyme disease if you:

• Have been bitten by a blacklegged tick in an area where Lyme disease is common
• Experience any symptoms associated with Lyme disease listed above

Testing is most reliable during the second and third stages of Lyme disease because it takes time for antibodies to develop.⁶ Testing 4–6 weeks after symptom onset ensures more accurate results.

Additionally, because blacklegged ticks can carry other diseases, testing helps pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms for appropriate treatment.⁵ Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the timing of your test.

How Do You Interpret Lyme Disease Test Results?

Your test results may not always be straightforward. You should work with your healthcare provider to interpret your individual results in combination with your health history. Here’s how to interpret common Lyme disease test results:

Antibody Testing: 

• High/Positive Result: Indicates there may be presence of Lyme disease. Additional testing on your sample can be performed to confirm results.
• Equivocal/Indeterminate Result: Your test results are unclear. You may need additional testing.
• Negative/Normal Result: You may still need follow-up testing if you are in the early stages of Lyme disease and antibodies haven’t fully developed yet.

Immunoblot Testing: The ‘blot’ is more specific than the Lyme Disease Antibody Screen and is used as a confirmation test as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Within this test each antibody could show these results. 

• In Range/Negative: You most likely do not have Lyme disease as your results are mostly in range/non-reactive
• Out of Range/Positive: You most likely do have Lyme disease as your results are mostly out of range/reactive

If your initial blood test is positive, questhealth.com’s Lyme Disease Test includes confirmatory testing at no extra cost. Quest also offers the option to consult with an independent physician about your results and next steps. This ensures you have the support and answers you need. You should also work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan, which may include antibiotics¹

Why Choose Quest for Lyme Disease Testing?

You can buy a Lyme Disease test online from Quest. No doctor’s appointment is required – simply purchase testing, visit a nearby location for sample collection, and get fast results. 

If your test results are abnormal, you have the ability to discuss them with an independent physician at no added cost. The physician may be able to prescribe treatment if you need it. 

Buy your Lyme disease test

No doctor visit is required to buy your own lab test at questhealth.com. PWNHealth and its affiliates review your purchase to ensure it is medically appropriate before submitting the test order for processing. PWNHealth also reviews your test results and will contact you directly if they require prompt attention. Included in each purchase is the option to discuss your test results with an independent physician; however, you are also encouraged to speak with your primary healthcare provider.