Lyme Disease Testing

Traditional Lyme Disease Testing Misses The Mark

The most common Lyme Disease testing is the two-tiered CDC recommended tests. These include:

  • ELISA test for Lyme Disease.

  • Western Blot.

    Both are indirect tests; in that they merely measure the immune system’s response to an infectious agent instead of looking for evidence or components of the agent itself.

Many physicians incorrectly follow the CDC definition case of Lyme disease to make a diagnosis. However, these tests were originally designed for only one single species of Borrelia. The tests were never intended to be used in making clinical diagnosis. These “standard” Lyme tests can give false negatives between 50% and 80% of the time, depending on which study you are looking at. Even on the CDC website, they state, “Test results for Lyme disease should always be interpreted in the broader context of a person’s illness and medical history, exposure likelihood, and other test results.” Because of this outdated method, it is very common to test negative, but still have symptoms.

Yet, despite this information, doctors are still relying on laboratory tests to definitively determine whether a patient has the disease or not. This current method of “diagnosing” has serious and sometimes deadly consequences for patients who indeed have Lyme disease, but do not receive treatment due to a negative lab result.

If you test negative, but still have symptoms, we recommend utilizing one of the labs below that are historically more accurate with Lyme Disease testing. (Though a false negative is still possible).

Other Testing for Lyme Disease

There are other tests available.

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is considered “direct” testing because it detects the actual bacteria, rather than just the immune system’s response to it. Though PCR testing is more accurate than the Western Blot, they can still produce false negatives due to the Lyme bacteria being sparsely dispersed in the body, therefore may not be present in the given sample.

  • Lyme Disease Antibody Testing helps identify what organisms are causing a disease in a patient by looking for unique proteins. These tests can be taken from fluids such as blood, urine, or joint fluid.

  • Culture tests take a sample of the patient’s blood or other fluid and attempt to grow Lyme spirochetes in a special lab environment to detect the bacteria. While these may offer more accurate testing, they are all still imperfect. There is no current test that offers complete reliability.

High Accuracy Lyme Disease Tests

There are several private labs that offer Lyme disease and other vector borne testing.

  • Igenex - The most popular is IgeneX. These guys have developed several industry leading tests. According to their website, IGeneX tests are based on the latest findings of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses to provide the most complete and accurate results for diagnostic purposes. They claim to test for more species than any other lab.

  • Vibrant Wellness Labs - While IgeneX is still in the lead, Vibrant Wellness Labs seems to be competitively right behind them. In 2018, Vibrant launched a revolutionary new test that is able to detect Lyme and other co infections at a much more sensitive level than competitors, yielding the most accurate tick borne infections test on the market. They continue to say, Vibrant Tick Borne Diseases panel is the first of its kind to be run on a silicon micro-array platform, providing the highest level of specificity and sensitivity in the industry for detecting tickborne diseases. Vibrant is currently only available in the US and cannot ship to the state of New York.

  • DNA ConneXions "Lyme Panel detects the causative agent of Lyme Disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, in addition to 10 other common vector-borne pathogens". According to their website, their Lyme panel kit tests for four different genes that are found in Borrelia burgdorferi and 8 common Lyme disease vector-borne co-infectors and other organisms. DNA ConneXions is currently unavailable to the state of New York and encourages that if you live in NY to file a complaint with your governor’s office. Discount code to receive $100 off our Lyme Disease test (Use Code LYME323S) for yourself or to share with anyone you know who may benefit from our panel.

  • Armin Labs - ArminLabs is running is called Tickplex that has the ability to test for IgM and IgG antibodies for 3 species of borrelia, it’s capable of detecting persistent forms of borrelia and tests for a number of co-infections. It has higher sensitivity (98%) and specificity (95%) compared to current testing. The price is $ 219.  

    Tickplex Plus includes the tests for borrelia included in Tickplex Basic and 10 co-infections: Babesia microti, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Rickettsia akari, Coxsackievirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Human parvovirus B19, Mycoplasma fermentans and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. All this in done with a single blood sample. The price is $ 799.

  • Galaxy Diagnostics is another private lab offering advanced testing for Lyme and other vector-borne illnesses. Their website proudly states that they offer the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tests and testing strategies that “go beyond the limits of detection” for emerging infectious diseases. “We are deploying sample enrichment technologies that power direct detection of slow-growing, low abundance flea and tick-borne infections that often fly under the radar of conventional testing.”

To learn more about each of these testing facilities, please visit their websites. Pricing for tests varies with each lab and depends on which panel you or your doctor chose. Although private labs usually do not accept insurance and testing is “out of pocket”, you may be able to file with your insurance for partial reimbursement. You may be denied, but it is worth the shot!

Positive Lyme Disease Test- Now What?

Getting a positive diagnosis can be rare; even though Lyme Disease itself is far from rare. So, what happens once you are finally diagnosed? We know that it can be overwhelming, especially with so much contradicting information out there. That’s why it is our mission at Lyme Warrior, to provide free, accurate information and resources. Some helpful pages to check out after a positive diagnosis are Lyme Disease 101, Lyme Disease Treatment, and Lyme Disease Detox Methods.

We are not medical professionals and cannot recommend any specific testing. Please consult your doctor to find the right test for you and your family.

LYME DISEASE TESTING FAQ’S

What are the recommended testing guidelines for Lyme disease?

The recommended testing guidelines for Lyme disease involve a two-tiered approach. The initial step is to conduct an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to screen for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. If the screening test is positive or equivocal, a confirmatory test called the Western blot is performed.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed and what tests are used?

The most common Lyme Disease Testing is the two-tiered CDC recommended tests. These include the ELISA for Lyme Disease and the Western Blot. Both are indirect tests; in that they merely measure the immune system’s response to an infectious agent instead of looking for evidence or components of the agent itself. These “standard” Lyme tests can give false negatives between 50% and 80% of the time, depending on which study you are looking at.

Which laboratory tests are most accurate for detecting Lyme disease?

Due to inaccuracies in testing, doctors should consider clinical symptoms as well (this is also stated on the CDC website), looking for ongoing symptoms, rashes, tick exposure and health history.

What should I do if my Lyme disease test are negative, but I still have symptoms?

Lyme disease tests may produce false-negative results during the early stages of infection. If you continue to experience symptoms despite negative test results, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in Lyme disease. They may consider clinical symptoms, medical history, and additional tests to guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Can Lyme disease testing produce false-negative results?

Yes, Lyme disease testing can occasionally produce false-negative results. False-negative results can happen if the test is performed too early in the infection before detectable antibody levels develop. Clinical evaluation and consideration of symptoms are crucial when interpreting test results. A false-negative can also be produced simply because the testing is outdated and is only for one strain of the disease. There are over 300 strains that have been identified, making the testing inaccurate at times. Many patients test negative, but still have symptoms.

Are there different testing methods available for diagnosing Lyme disease?

The two-tiered testing approach (EIA followed by Western blot) is the standard method for diagnosing Lyme disease. However, some laboratories may offer alternative tests, such as the ones listed below:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is considered “direct” testing because it detects the actual bacteria, rather than just the immune system’s response to it. Though PCR testing is more accurate than the Western Blot, they can still produce false negatives due to the Lyme bacteria being sparsely dispersed in the body, therefore may not be present in the given sample.

Lyme Disease Antibody Test help identify what organisms are causing a disease in a patient by looking for unique proteins. These tests can be taken from fluids such as blood, urine, or joint fluid.

Culture tests take a sample of the patient’s blood or other fluid and attempt to grow Lyme spirochetes in a special lab environment to detect the bacteria. While these may offer more accurate testing, they are all still imperfect. There is no current test that offers complete reliability.

How soon after a tick bite can Lyme disease be detected through testing?

Remember, Lyme Disease has 3 stages therefore, Lyme disease may not be immediately detectable through testing after a tick bite. It takes time for the body to develop detectable levels of antibodies. Testing too early, within the first few days after the bite, may result in false-negative results. It is generally recommended to wait at least a few weeks before testing, allowing the immune response to develop.

Are there any limitations or challenges associated with Lyme disease testing?

Yes, there are some limitations and challenges associated with Lyme disease testing. These include the potential for false-negative, especially during the early stages of infection. Additionally, the interpretation of test results can be complex, and clinical evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis.

What should I do if I suspect I have Lyme disease, but my healthcare provider is hesitant to order a test?

If you suspect you have Lyme disease but encounter hesitation from your healthcare provider, it is recommended to seek a second opinion from a Lyme-literate healthcare professional. These professionals have experience in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease and can provide appropriate testing and guidance. You may also choose to self test using one of the labs listed above (though expect this cost to be out of pocket).