Lyme Disease Test

Antibody Tests, Lyme Disease, PCR Test, Lyme Disease, Skin Culture, Lyme Disease

Why It Is Done

A Lyme disease test is done to diagnose Lyme disease in people who have symptoms of Lyme disease. Symptoms may include:

• An expanding red rash with a pale centre. This is sometimes called a "bull's-eye" rash.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Fever.
• Headache and stiff neck.
• Muscle and joint pain.

Symptoms of chronic Lyme disease infection include joint pain, stiffness, and problems with the heart, brain, or nerves.

Testing is most accurate when you have risk factors for Lyme disease or symptoms of the disease.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: November 6, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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