Lyme Disease Tests Test
Lyme disease tests look for antibodies your body makes to fight the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. They help find out if you have an infection from a tick bite.
What this test measures
Lyme disease tests check a sample of your blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for antibodies that your immune system makes to fight the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A positive blood test means antibodies were found. The CDC recommends a second test on the same sample. If both are positive and you have symptoms, you probably have Lyme disease. But a positive result could also be from a past infection or a false positive due to other conditions.
Lower-than-normal results
A negative blood test means no antibodies were found. If you had symptoms for more than 30 days, you probably don't have Lyme disease. If symptoms were less than 30 days, you may need another test because antibodies take time to develop.
Frequently asked questions
What do Lyme disease tests measure?
They measure antibodies your immune system makes to fight the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
How is Lyme disease transmitted?
You can get Lyme disease if an infected tick bites you. Ticks usually bite in hard-to-see places like groin, scalp, backs of knees, and armpits.
Can a negative test mean I still have Lyme disease?
Yes, if you were tested too soon (within 30 days of symptoms), your body may not have made enough antibodies yet. This is called a false negative.
What does a positive test result mean?
It means antibodies were found. But it could be from a past infection or a false positive. The CDC recommends a second test to confirm.
What if the test is done on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
A positive CSF test with more antibodies in CSF than blood suggests Lyme disease may have spread to your nervous system.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Lyme Disease Tests — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.