Top 5 Lyme Disease Tests for Reliable Detection & Prompt Management (2024)

Lyme disease presents a daunting challenge in the US, affecting over 476,000 people yearly as the nation's most prevalent vector-borne illness. The pathogen responsible for Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted through the bite of an infected Ixodes scapularis tick, otherwise known as the black-legged tick or deer tick. The tick must be attached to the host for at least 48 hours to transmit the pathogen. Failure to promptly identify tick bites and subsequent infection can lead to serious long term health complications from Lyme disease.

This article delves into the top 5 best Lyme disease tests, providing critical insights into each option. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each test, patients can make informed decisions when purchasing the best Lyme disease test.

Stages of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease unfolds in three distinct stages, each characterized by specific symptoms and potential complications. This progression underscores the necessity for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent the disease from advancing to more severe stages.

1. Early Localized Disease

The initial stage occurs shortly after the bite when the infection has not yet spread throughout the body. Symptoms often begin with the hallmark erythema migrans rash, also known as a "bullseye" rash, appearing at the bite site in approximately 70-80% of infected individuals.

This stage may also present flu-like symptoms, such as:

Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Body aches
Headaches

Early detection and treatment during this stage can prevent the disease from progressing.

2. Early Disseminated Disease

Weeks to months following the bite. If not treated, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream to affect other body areas.

This dissemination can lead to a wide array of symptoms, including:

Additional erythema migrans rashes on different parts of the body
Facial palsy
Severe headaches
Neck stiffness due to meningitis
Pain in muscles, tendons, bones, and joints
Irregular heartbeats or palpitations (Lyme carditis)
Instances of feeling dizzy or having trouble breathing
Nerve pain

3. Late Disseminated Disease

Suppose Lyme disease remains undiagnosed and untreated with antibiotics during the early stages. In that case, the bacteria responsible for the condition can spread from the tick bite site and disseminate throughout the body, leading to a late disseminated Lyme disease or late Lyme disease.

Manifestations of late Lyme disease may include

Joint pain (arthritis)
Skin changes
Musculoskeletal issues
Neurological complications.

Similar to the less severe forms, late Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, although there is debate among medical professionals regarding the optimal duration of antibiotic treatment.

Considerations for Choosing a Lyme Disease Test

The availability of Lyme disease kits has increased, offering a convenient option for individuals seeking quick and private results. However, before selecting a Lyme disease test kit, several critical factors must be taken into account to guarantee reliability and precision:

Type of Test Offered: Understand the type of test the kit provides. Most Lyme disease test kits rely on antibody detection. It's crucial to recognize the limitations of these tests, particularly in terms of timing post-exposure and the risk of false negatives or positives.
Methodology and Certification: Look for tests that use certified methodologies. For example, Everlywell's Lyme Disease Test adheres to the CDC’s two-tier model and is performed by CLIA-certified laboratories. This ensures that the testing procedures meet high-quality standards.
Result Interpretation: It is crucial to review the results with a healthcare professional. A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies due to past exposure to the bacteria but does not necessarily mean you currently have Lyme disease. This is why subsequent clinical evaluation is essential.
Symptoms: The tests are particularly relevant if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Lyme disease but do not have the characteristic bullseye rash, which is a direct indicator of the disease and might not require a confirmation test.
Customer Support and Resources: Good test kits should offer strong customer support and resources to interpret results and guide the next steps. This support can be crucial for individuals navigating the testing process without direct medical supervision. Details about customer service and support are typically provided with the kit or on the manufacturer's website.

Top 5 Tests for Lyme Disease

When purchasing a Lyme disease test kit, several factors need to be taken into account to ensure you choose a reliable and effective product. We have meticulously researched the best available options to aid your selection process. We've taken into account factors such as:

Accuracy of the results
Privacy
Test method
Ease of use
Cost

Discover our expertly selected recommendations for the best Lyme disease test kits.

Pros

The test is convenient, allowing for accessible at-home blood sample collection.
Results are reviewed by certified physicians, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each testing kit includes everything needed for sample collection and a prepaid shipping label.
Using CLIA-certified labs guarantees that the testing process meets high standards of quality and accuracy.
Results are easy to comprehend and can be downloaded and shared with healthcare providers.

Cons

At $75.60, the cost may be higher than other health tests available on the market.
It requires a blood sample, which might be a deterrent for those uncomfortable with self-administering a lancet.
Some users have reported difficulty obtaining enough blood for the test, which can affect the ease of use.

The Verisana Lyme Disease Test Kit offers a convenient and efficient solution for individuals suspecting they might have Lyme disease.

Priced at $119.00, this test allows users to check their body's reactivity to the bacteria from the comfort of their home, ensuring a hassle-free process without additional costs.

The kit is designed for ease of use, containing everything needed for the sample collection and instructions, which are then returned to a CLIA-certified lab for analysis.

Pros

The Verisana Lyme Disease Test Kit is designed for at-home use, allowing individuals to collect samples conveniently without visiting a healthcare facility. This is beneficial for those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.
The test employs a two-step serological process to measure the body's reactivity to Borrelia bacteria, ensuring a thorough analysis.
Given the complexity and variety of Lyme disease symptoms, this test provides early detection, which is crucial for effective treatment and preventing long-term health issues.
The kit price includes all necessary components for sample collection, as well as the scientific analysis and lab report, ensuring there are no hidden additional costs.
The sample is analyzed by a CLIA-certified lab, guaranteeing that the results are reliable and accurate.

Cons

Users must be 18 years or older to take the test, which may restrict access for younger individuals who suspect they may have Lyme disease.
The test requires a certain period post-exposure for accurate results; taking it too early might result in a false negative due to antibodies needing weeks to build up.
There's a possibility of cross-reactivity with other conditions, such as the Epstein-Barr virus or Toxoplasma, which could lead to false positives, and a positive result cannot distinguish between a current and a previous infection.

Priced at $89.00 plus a $6.00 physician service fee, the Quest Diagnostics Lyme Disease Test offers a comprehensive approach to detecting Lyme disease through a CDC-recommended two-step testing process.

This test suits individuals bitten by a tick or experiencing symptoms such as a "bullseye" rash or fatigue. Utilizing blood tests for Lyme disease samples, the test measures IgM and IgG antibodies produced in response to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

If initial test results are positive, a confirmatory test is conducted using the same blood sample to ensure accuracy. This process provides a thorough assessment of exposure to Lyme disease, facilitating timely and appropriate treatment options.

Pros

Follows a CDC-recommended two-step testing process for accurate Lyme disease detection.
Convenient in-person sample collection at over 2000 Quest locations.
Results are reviewed by independent physicians, enhancing the reliability of the test.
Fast access to results online through a secure patient portal.
Includes the option for post-test consultation with an independent physician at no additional cost.
Results can be easily shared with personal healthcare providers.

Cons

The cost of $95.00 might be higher than other Lyme disease tests available on the market.
Requires visiting a Quest location for blood sample collection, which may only be convenient for some users.

IGeneX offers two distinct Lyme disease and tick-borne illness test kits: the Blood and Urine Collection Kit. Both kits are designed for those seeking comprehensive testing for a range of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, Bartonellosis, Babesiosis, and more. The price ranges from $295–$546 (each assay costs $195) with a $20 deposit fee.

The Blood Collection Kit from IGeneX is a primary tool for testing Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. This kit facilitates the collection of a blood sample, which can be tested for a broad spectrum of diseases caused by various pathogens. The kit is part of a more extensive process that includes selecting the appropriate tests with a doctor, having a blood draw at a lab, and then sending the sample to IGeneX for analysis.

Pros

Ensures high-quality testing standards and reliable results.
Can test for a wide array of tick-borne diseases, offering a thorough assessment of tick-related health concerns.
Capable of identifying various species of Lyme Borreliae, Bartonella, Babesia, and more, providing a broad diagnostic scope.
The involvement of healthcare professionals ensures accurate test selection and interpretation of results.
Offers the option for additional testing if initial results indicate the presence of tick-borne diseases.

Cons

Requires coordination with healthcare providers for test selection and blood draw.
The price range reflects the cost of assays, which can add up depending on the number of tests ordered.
Necessitates a visit to a healthcare provider for test requisition and sample collection.
Dependent on access to a lab or clinic capable of drawing blood, which may not be convenient for all users.

The Urine Collection Kit, priced at $295–$546 (each assay costs $195) with a $20 deposit fee,

is another option provided by IGeneX for testing Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses. This kit is compatible with tests that require a urine sample and includes everything needed for sample collection at home. Like the Blood Collection Kit, the Urine Collection Kit requires coordination with a doctor to determine which tests to conduct.

Pros

It offers the convenience of collecting a urine sample in the privacy of one's home.
Guarantees that testing is conducted under stringent quality standards.
Able to test for a wide range of tick-borne diseases from a single urine sample.
Doctors assist in choosing the appropriate tests, ensuring tailored testing based on individual exposure and symptoms.
Identifies multiple species of pathogens responsible for Lyme disease, Bartonellosis, Babesiosis, and more.

Cons

Working with a healthcare provider for test selection may not be straightforward for everyone.
The process can be cumbersome, with detailed paperwork and a deposit fee.
The CDC does not recommend urine testing for Lyme disease antigens due to insufficient evidence of accuracy, potentially limiting its acceptance.
Though the sample collection is at home, the test kit still requires the doctor's involvement and mailing the sample to the lab.
The base price does not include the cost of individual assays, which can increase the total expense depending on the tests selected.

Wrap Up

Among the best Lyme Disease Tests, the Everlywell and Verisana tests stand out for their efficacy and convenience.

The Everlywell test, priced at $75.60, offers the best at-home Lyme disease tests that deliver results within 5-8 days after the lab acquires the sample, using CLIA-certified labs for accurate assessments. It is particularly adept at detecting antibodies against three types of Borrelia bacteria, which is essential for early Lyme disease detection.

Conversely, the Verisana test, which also offers the best at-home Lyme disease tests, thoroughly evaluates the body's response to Borrelia bacteria, including all components necessary for sample collection and analysis, at no additional cost.

Both tests leverage CLIA-certified labs to ensure reliability, with Everlywell excelling in speedy results and Verisana in comprehensive analysis, making them top choices for effective Lyme disease management.

FAQs on the best Lyme Disease Tests

Can Lyme disease be transmitted from mother to fetus?

Yes, untreated Lyme disease can spread from mother to fetus, but timely antibiotic treatment during pregnancy reduces the risk of adverse outcomes.

Can you get Lyme disease more than once?

Yes, you can get Lyme disease multiple times, as each infection doesn't provide immunity against future exposures.

Why isn't there a Lyme disease vaccine for humans?

The previous Lyme disease vaccine was withdrawn due to safety concerns, but research for improved vaccines, like those by Valneva, is currently underway.

Can Lyme disease co-infect with other diseases?

Yes, Lyme disease can occur alongside diseases such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis. The treatment for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis is the same, but babesiosis requires different medications.

Can Lyme disease tests detect all strains of Borrelia bacteria?

Most Lyme disease tests are for detecting common strains of Borrelia bacteria, but some may have limited coverage for less common strains. Choosing a test with broad-spectrum detection capabilities is essential for comprehensive results.

How soon after a tick bite can Lyme disease tests provide reliable results?

Lyme disease tests may yield inaccurate results after a tick bite since it takes a while for the body to produce detectable antibodies. It's recommended to wait a few weeks after a suspected exposure before testing for Lyme disease. However, if you suspect Lyme disease, see a healthcare provider immediately for appropriate management.