HomeAnswersInfectious Diseaseslyme diseaseHow and where should I get tested for Lyme disease?

What are the symptoms and diagnostic tests for Lyme disease?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At July 16, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 13, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have elbow joint pain after encountering a tick bite, most probably from my pet dog. I have searched on the internet, and it says it could be Lyme disease. If so, how and where should I get tested? Is there any facility for testing? If so, how much would it cost, and what happens during the test? Is it curable?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Lyme disease is a vector-borne disease caused by the bacteria borrelia and transmitted by blackleg ticks from pets. It can cause multiple symptoms such as fever, rash (often manifested as a pattern called bull's eye rash), joint pain, and headache. If left untreated, it can spread to various organ systems like the brain, central nervous system, heart, cardiovascular system, and joints and cause complications.

It is best to get diagnostic blood tests, including the enzyme-linked immunoassay test and western blot test, to confirm whether you have Lyme disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends a mandatory two-step testing process for Lyme disease. If this first step is negative, no further testing is recommended. If the first step is positive or indeterminate (sometimes called "equivocal"), the second step should be performed. The overall result is positive only when the first test is positive (or equivocal) and the second test is positive (or, for some tests, equivocal). The other blood tests, such as complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, renal function tests, etc., may be performed to detect abnormalities. You can undergo Lyme disease tests at an infectious disease center nearby your town or city.

I hope you get your answer.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha
Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Infectious Diseases

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