Lyme Disease (elisa) Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGPChief Medical Officer
meet our doctors
What causes Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through infected tick bites. These ticks are about the size of a pin head and are found in woodland and around heathland. If you have been bitten by a tick and haven't removed it within a couple of days, you may be at risk of Lyme disease.
What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease?
A common early sign of infection is a circular, expanding rash that has the appearance of a bullseye. If you have this rash, you should consult your GP, but this rash doesn't occur in all cases. If left untreated, an infection can spread to your joints, heart, and even the nervous system. Symptoms of Lyme disease include headaches, fever, joint pain, fatigue and problems with short-term memory. Lyme disease can be overlooked because the symptoms mimic many other conditions, including arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia.
What can I learn from a Lyme disease test?
Our Lyme Disease (ELISA) Blood Test can help to confirm if you have Lyme disease. If you have glandular fever, rheumatoid arthritis, or another autoimmune condition, this test could give a false positive result. If you have a positive ELISA result, we'll advise you to be assessed by your doctor.
You could receive a negative result if you take this test too soon after the infection date. If you are free of symptoms, please wait for at least six weeks after the date you suspect you were bitten or were in an environment where you could have been infected. If you are experiencing symptoms, we recommend testing as soon as possible.
What's included?
How to prepare for your test
Special instructions
Prepare for your Lyme Disease (elisa) Blood Test Test by following these instructions. You may need to repeat this test 6 weeks following the first test. Please include details of any recent foreign travel on your form.