How to Test for Lyme Disease at Home: Best Tests and More

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Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is a tick-borne infectious disease that can cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. Lyme disease tests, which are available in major pharmacies, retail stores, and online, may help people who believe they have contracted the infection.
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A quick look at 4 of the best at-home Lyme disease tests
Best for a quick turnaround: LetsGetChecked Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
LetsGetChecked Lyme Disease Test
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Best easy-to-use option: Everlywell Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
Everlywell Lyme Disease Test
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Best in-person test: Quest Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
Quest Lyme Disease Test
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Best for multiple collection methods: IGeneX Lyme Disease Test | Skip to review
IGeneX Lyme Disease Test
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This article explores Lyme disease and some test kits that individuals can consider buying. It also describes when a person should speak with a doctor and includes some frequently asked questions.
Lyme disease
What is Lyme disease, and how does a person get it?
Lyme disease is an infection that develops from the Borreliabacterium. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.
most common
The bacterium spreads to humans through the bite of a black-legged tick — also known as the deer tick — carrying the infection. These insects can only transmit the bacteria if they have been attached to the skin for 36–48 hours before transmitting the disease.
36–48 hours
However, most people contract the infection through nymphs. These are tiny, immature ticks fewer than 2 millimeters in size and equivalent to the size of poppy seeds, making them hard to detect.
Lyme disease symptoms
The CDC lists some symptoms people may develop up to 30 days after experiencing a tick bite. These include:
CDC
fever
fever
chills
chills
headaches
headaches
fatigue
fatigue
muscle aches
muscle aches
erythema migrans rash that may feel warm
erythema migrans rash
Untreated Lyme disease can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, causing individuals to experience:
can spread
nerve pain
numbness in the hands or feet
inflammation in the brain and spinal cord
inflammation
neck stiffness
heart palpitations
heart palpitations
irregular heartbeat
irregular heartbeat
Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsy
Furthermore, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that even with treatment, some symptoms may become permanent. Some people also develop arthritis or confusion, or experience concentration difficulty during the months or years following the initial tick bite.
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
arthritis
Testing for Lyme disease at home
People can find many at-home Lyme disease tests online.
They typically come with instructions, and most companies require individuals to collect their samples at home and mail it to a lab for testing. The lab then issues the results; a person can access them via email or a company’s online portal.
People may also be able to speak with a company’s medical team to discuss their results and, if applicable, any next steps.
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria where possible:
Laboratories: MNT will choose companies that process test samples in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified
Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Best at-home Lyme disease tests
Everlywell Lyme Disease Test

Collection method: finger prick
Results in: a few days
Tests for: Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia garinii, or Borrelia afzelii
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
$109.00 AT EVERLYWELL
*Price may vary.
The Everlywell Lyme Disease Test checks for a person’s exposure to any of the three strains of Borrelia bacteria. The test may suit those experiencing fatigue, headaches, or joint pain. The test offers a fingerprick sample collection.
Learn more about Everlywell here.
Learn more about Everlywell here.
Once people receive their kits, they can register them online, collect their sample, and return it to the labs using the prepaid shipping labels. They can access their results through their online dashboards.
uses CLIA-certified labs
free shipping
accepts HSA and FSA payments
has independent board-certified physicians who review and approve tests
longer time to publish results
not available to residents of New York state
a more expensive option
uses CLIA-certified labs
free shipping
accepts HSA and FSA payments
has independent board-certified physicians who review and approve tests
longer time to publish results
not available to residents of New York state
a more expensive option
Insurance coverage: accepts HSA/FSA
Follow-up guidance: access to independent physician network to discuss questions and treatment options if there is a positive result
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Insurance coverage: accepts HSA/FSA
Follow-up guidance: access to independent physician network to discuss questions and treatment options if there is a positive result
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Quest Lyme Disease Test

Collection method: blood draw in-lab
Results in: a few days
Tests for: IgM and IgG antibodies
$95.00 AT QUEST
*Price may vary.
The Quest Lyme Disease Test is available in person. People purchase their test and book an appointment with a nearby Quest Patient Service Center, where a medical professional collects the sample.
They then receive their results through their MyQuest accounts online.
results available online through MyQuest portal
the company health team will contact individuals directly if results require prompt attention
additional physician fee
no receipt for health plan reimbursement
results available online through MyQuest portal
the company health team will contact individuals directly if results require prompt attention
additional physician fee
no receipt for health plan reimbursement
Accepts insurance: no but FSA/HSA may be applicable
Follow-up guidance: available for free
Returns: n/a
Shipping: n/a
Accepts insurance: no but FSA/HSA may be applicable
Follow-up guidance: available for free
Returns: n/a
Shipping: n/a
IGeneX Lyme Disease Test

Results in: 7 to 10 business days
Collection method: blood sample
$195.00 AT IGENEX
*Price may vary.
People who wish to buy a test kit from IGeneX pay a $20 deposit fee. They then complete the paperwork with their doctor to determine which tests they should use.
Some collection options include:
fingerprick blood test
urine sample
cerebral spinal fluid
tissue
placenta
breast milk
Afterward, an individual can collect their sample at home and mail it to IGeneX. The company then sends the results to the doctor.
CLIA-certified labs
doctor-led help in choosing a test kit
several collection methods available
not a true home test — doctors help clients complete the paperwork and receive their results
paperwork and billing systems can be complex
CDC does not recommend urine testing for antigens, as there is not enough evidence for their accuracy
CLIA-certified labs
doctor-led help in choosing a test kit
several collection methods available
not a true home test — doctors help clients complete the paperwork and receive their results
paperwork and billing systems can be complex
CDC does not recommend urine testing for antigens, as there is not enough evidence for their accuracy
Accepts insurance: offers itemized receipt for reimbursement
Follow-up guidance: results are sent directly to your doctor
Returns: no refunds
Accepts insurance: offers itemized receipt for reimbursement
Follow-up guidance: results are sent directly to your doctor
Returns: no refunds
What are the risks of using at-home Lyme disease tests?
At-home testing may be more convenient and discreet than a healthcare clinic or office. It may also be cheaper than paying for a visit to a physician.
However, at-home test results do not consider a person’s circumstances. For example, it does not know a person’s medical history.
In addition, not all at-home testing services connect people with a healthcare professional to discuss the results and any next steps. People who use services that do not allow them to contact healthcare professionals may misinterpret results.
It is also important to consider if an at-home test checks for the same markers as a clinical test from a physician. If a test does not screen for the same markers as a test from a healthcare professional, there is a risk of a person receiving a false negative.
At-home Lyme disease tests are unlikely to follow the CDC’s two-step testing recommendation. The organization recommends testing twice after a positive result to reduce the risk of false positives.
CDC’s
When to test for Lyme disease
According to MedlinePlus, people should arrange for a Lyme disease test if they develop symptoms and have recently removed a tick.
MedlinePlus
Individuals may require multiple tests if they believe they have Lyme disease. This is because many tests check for the presence of antibodies, which may take weeks to develop.
At-home vs. in-person tests
There are several differences between at-home and in-person Lyme disease tests. A person may consider these differences before choosing which one to purchase.
It is simple to purchase an at-home test: A person chooses which company to buy from and waits for the company to ship the test to their home.
However, this means that a person does not always purchase a test at the recommendation of a healthcare professional. Several conditions, such as Lyme disease, have an incubation period. This means that the antibodies at-home tests screen for may not be present for several weeks.
If a person wishes to use at-home testing, they should purchase from a company that recommends when to test to ensure they do not receive a false negative.
Once a person receives the test, they collect the sample. The company that provides the test should always include clear instructions and all the tools a person needs to collect a sample, such as a blood lancet or a urine container.
It is important to collect the sample correctly. Incorrect collection may invalidate the results of the test. Once a person has collected the sample, they send it to the company’s laboratory.
Most companies give a person their test results within a week of receiving the sample. Some may offer consultations with a healthcare professional upon receiving a positive result.
However, this means those who receive a negative result but still experience Lyme disease symptoms may wonder about their next steps.
Finally, the CDC recommends two-step testing. If a person tests positive, the CDC recommends people undergo another test to ensure the results are correct. At-home tests may not recommend this process on their websites.
CDC
Undergoing an in-person test can be quite different from an at-home test.
Firstly, a healthcare professional will take a history and ask questions such as whether a person has been exposed to ticks. They may also consider other diagnoses before ordering Lyme disease tests, as ticks can transmit other illnesses. Doctors may order other tests alongside Lyme disease testing depending on a person’s location and presenting symptoms.
can transmit
A qualified technician will take appropriate blood samples. This reduces the risk of an invalid sample.
Healthcare professionals will follow the CDC’s recommendation of two-step testing. People can also discuss positive or negative test results and any next steps.
The following table provides a quick overview of the differences between at-home vs. in-person testing for Lyme disease.
How to choose the right at-home test for you
To find the right at-home Lyme disease test, a person should consider whether:
the at-home test measures the same levels as a clinical test from a doctor
test kit samples are sent to CLIA-certified laboratories
the company provides users access to support from medical professionals
the total cost of the test kit suits their budget
the company provides test results in a timely, private, and convenient way
they are confident in their ability to collect a good sample
What do the results of a Lyme disease test mean?
According to the CDC, people should perform two tests for Lyme disease, and they can use the same blood sample.
CDC
They do not need to perform another test if they receive a negative result. However, if their first test is positive or indeterminate, it is best to test again.
The CDC states the overall result is only positive for Lyme disease when the first and second tests produce a positive result.
Tests detect IgM and IgG antibodies that the body produces in response to an infection. The IgM antibodies appear early in response to the exposure, while the IgG antibodies appear 4–6 weeks after the infection and can persist for years.
However, individuals may develop antibodies several weeks after exposure. Therefore, those who test before the antibodies develop can get a false negative.
False positives can occur if a person has other conditions, including:
spirochetal diseases, such as syphilis
syphilis
bacterial and viral infections
some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
autoimmune diseases
rheumatoid arthritis
lupus
When to speak with a doctor
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to help prevent late Lyme disease and its symptoms, including chronic Lyme arthritis and Lyme carditis.
chronic Lyme arthritis
A person should speak with a doctor if they have a tick bite or believe it has bitten them after visiting tick-prone regions.
They should also seek medical help if they experience any signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. These include:
include
erythema migrans, or Lyme disease rash
Lyme disease rash
fever
fever
chills
chills
fatigue
fatigue
headaches
headaches
swollen lymph nodes
swollen lymph nodes
Undetected and untreated Lyme disease can spread and affect more areas, such as the joints, heart, and nervous system. Additional symptoms may include:
concentration issues
joint problems
irregular heartbeat or palpitations
irregular heartbeat
palpitations
facial palsy
facial palsy
conjunctivitis
conjunctivitis
Learn more about the symptoms of Lyme disease.
Learn more about the symptoms of Lyme disease
People who develop new symptoms despite having had Lyme disease should speak with a medical professional.
Frequently asked questions
To self-test for Lyme disease, a person can order an at-home test kit from one of the companies online, such as the four discussed in this article. Many companies do not require a person to consult with a medical professional first.
However, note that antibodies for Lyme disease can take weeks to develop, which could result in a false negative. Additionally, the CDC recommends two-step testing to avoid false positives. Look for at-home test companies that provide access to medical professionals to help a person take proper action after testing.
To self-test for Lyme disease, a person can order an at-home test kit from one of the companies online, such as the four discussed in this article. Many companies do not require a person to consult with a medical professional first.
However, note that antibodies for Lyme disease can take weeks to develop, which could result in a false negative. Additionally, the CDC recommends two-step testing to avoid false positives. Look for at-home test companies that provide access to medical professionals to help a person take proper action after testing.
Medical professionals analyze a blood sample and look for antibodies to test for Lyme disease. For some people, physicians may recommend collecting a sample of cerebral spinal fluid for analysis.
The two most common antibody tests are the ELISA and the Western blot.
two most common antibody tests
However, it can take as long as 30 days for a person to develop antibodies for Lyme disease, so if they get tested soon after exposure, they could get a “false negative.”
30 days
Additionally, the CDC recommends two-step testing because there is also a risk of “false positive” tests, since antibodies can linger in a person’s system after the infection is gone.
CDC
Medical professionals analyze a blood sample and look for antibodies to test for Lyme disease. For some people, physicians may recommend collecting a sample of cerebral spinal fluid for analysis.
The two most common antibody tests are the ELISA and the Western blot.
two most common antibody tests
However, it can take as long as 30 days for a person to develop antibodies for Lyme disease, so if they get tested soon after exposure, they could get a “false negative.”
30 days
Additionally, the CDC recommends two-step testing because there is also a risk of “false positive” tests, since antibodies can linger in a person’s system after the infection is gone.
CDC
According to the CDC, three common signs of Lyme disease are:
an erythema rash that resembles a bullseye develops at the site of the tick bite in 70-80 percent of persons who get Lyme disease
70-80 percent
fatigue
muscle and joint aches
According to the CDC, three common signs of Lyme disease are:
an erythema rash that resembles a bullseye develops at the site of the tick bite in 70-80 percent of persons who get Lyme disease
70-80 percent
fatigue
muscle and joint aches
Yes, people can test for Lyme disease years after exposure.
The body produces antibodies after a Lyme disease infection, which tests then screen for to provide a positive or negative result.
The CDC states that the body can produce these antibodies for months or years after the initial infection, even if the bacteria is no longer present. Therefore, it is always important to make an appointment with a doctor for further investigation if a person tests positive years after exposure.
CDC
Yes, people can test for Lyme disease years after exposure.
The body produces antibodies after a Lyme disease infection, which tests then screen for to provide a positive or negative result.
The CDC states that the body can produce these antibodies for months or years after the initial infection, even if the bacteria is no longer present. Therefore, it is always important to make an appointment with a doctor for further investigation if a person tests positive years after exposure.
CDC
Summary
Lyme disease is an infection that spreads through the bite of a black-legged tick. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in reducing the chance of complications.
People can find test kits online, many offering a fingerprick collection.
Many companies work with CLIA-certified labs and issue results within a few days. Some also have a nursing team to discuss results and further treatment with the individual if required.