There are two main blood tests used to diagnose Lyme disease: a test called an EIA (enzyme immunoassay) or IFA (immunofluorescence assay), and another called a Western blot. The EIA may be called an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or an ELFA (enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay) test. These tests look for certain antibodies in a person's blood. Antibodies are proteins that are made by the immune system to fight a specific disease. So finding them in a person's blood can help doctors determine if a person has been infected. Unfortunately, Lyme disease antibody tests aren't 100% reliable. People who were very recently infected and people who have already been treated can sometimes get false results. The ELISA blood test is usually done first. If it shows the person may have Lyme disease, the Western blot test is then used as a way to double-check the results. Sometimes, a spinal fluid test or a joint fluid test is used to confirm Lyme disease in people who have nervous system symptoms or joint pain.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a tick bite. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a circular or oval-shaped rash, body aches, stiffness, fever, and joint inflammation. Doctors can treat Lyme disease using antibiotics, but if left untreated, it could lead to heart and nervous system problems. About 10-20 percent of people with Lyme disease also develop chronic arthritis.
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See All 2 AnswersTicks that transmit Lyme disease are found in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and there's a few in Wisconsin. They are very rarely found in the northern part of California.
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Dr. Kathleen Handal, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersLyme disease is spread by ticks, which are extremely tiny. Most victims aren't aware they have been bitten. If you think you have been infected only a blood test can determine if you have Lyme disease. If the results are positive, treatment with antibiotics is required. When Lyme disease is left untreated, the victim runs the risk of being stricken with crippling arthritis, neurological and heart irregularities.
Get medical help for:- tick bite
- rash typically a bulls-eye pattern
- fever
- stiff joints
- chronic fatigue
- flu-like symptoms
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Dr. Leopold D. Galland, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersSummer is peak season for transmission of Lyme disease. The only known transporter of Lyme disease bacteria, the deer tick, goes through the most infectious stage of its life cycle in the summer. But you don't need to be in contact with a deer to get a deer tick bite and Lyme disease. Deer ticks can hitch a ride on small animals and land right in your backyard. -
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Riverside Center for Neurosciences answeredMost individuals with Lyme disease respond well to antibiotics and have full recovery. In a few patients, symptoms of persisting infection may continue or recur, requiring additional antibiotic treatment. Varying degrees of permanent joint or nervous system damage may develop in patients with late chronic Lyme disease. In rare cases, some individuals may die from Lyme disease and its complications.
This answer is based on source information from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.