Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi IgM) - ELISA

The presence of IgM antibodies usually indicates a recent or ongoing infection. These antibodies are produced early in the course of infection.

The test is performed on a serum sample, which is obtained by drawing blood from a vein.

No specific preparations are required for this test. You can maintain your regular diet and activities.

The test results will tell your doctor if your body has produced an immune response to a Borrelia burgdorferi infection, indicating Lyme disease.

Yes, Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics, especially if treatment begins early in the course of disease.

No, Lyme disease is not directly contagious from person to person. It is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system, causing serious complications.

The test itself carries minimal risks, similar to those associated with regular blood tests, including minor bruising or infection at the puncture site.

If your test results are positive, your doctor will guide you on the next steps for treatment.

Yes, this test is safe to take during pregnancy. If you have been exposed to ticks and have symptoms of Lyme disease, you should inform your doctor.

Yes, children can get Lyme disease and are often at higher risk because of their outdoor activities.

As of now, there is no human vaccine available for Lyme disease.

Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent Lyme disease. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long clothing when in wooded areas, and checking your body for ticks after outdoor activities.

The presence of IgM antibodies usually indicates a recent or ongoing infection. However, this test alone cannot confirm past infection. Your doctor may consider additional testing or use this result in conjunction with clinical symptoms for a complete diagnosis.

Yes, Lyme disease can recur if a person is bitten again by an infected tick. However, a successful course of treatment for Lyme disease typically provides immunity and prevents reinfection.

The Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi IgM) - ELISA test is highly accurate when performed correctly. However, like all tests, false positives or negatives can occur. Your doctor will interpret the test result in the context of your symptoms and other diagnostic information.

Yes, certain conditions may cause false-positive results, such as autoimmune diseases, syphilis, or infectious mononucleosis. It's important to discuss any other health conditions you may have with your doctor.

Your doctor may also order tests to measure IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi, as these are produced later in the course of infection and can indicate a past infection. They may also request tests to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

While there are several tick-borne diseases, Lyme disease is one of the most common and is specifically caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. Other tick-borne diseases are caused by different bacteria or parasites and may have different symptoms and require different treatments.

ELISA stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. It's a laboratory technique used to detect and measure antibodies in a sample. For Lyme disease, it measures the presence and amount of antibodies produced in response to Borrelia burgdorferi.

Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. They transmit Lyme disease when they feed on humans after having previously fed on infected wildlife, such as mice or deer.

If you find a tick attached to your skin, it's important to remove it as soon as possible. Use fine- tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure and avoid twisting or jerking the tick. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. If you experience a rash or fever within the following weeks, see your doctor.

Yes, if symptoms persist, your doctor may suggest a repeat test or additional testing. The body can take a few weeks to develop detectable antibodies after infection. It's also possible for the test to give a false negative result in the early stages of the disease.