Lyme Disease Antibody Test in North Carolina
Below is a plain-language overview of the lyme disease antibody test. The Lyme disease antibody test checks your blood for antibodies your immune system makes after exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium spread by certain tick bites. It is usually ordered when someone has symptoms such as a rash, fever, or joint aches and may have been bitten by a tick. This page covers the lyme disease antibody test for people in North Carolina, in South, from what it measures to how to arrange a draw.
- Sample type
- blood
- Category
- General Wellness
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Price
- $159
- Referral
- Not required
The Lyme disease antibody test checks your blood for antibodies your immune system makes after exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium spread by certain tick bites. It is usually ordered when someone has symptoms such as a rash, fever, or joint aches and may have been bitten by a tick.
What it measures
- IgM antibodies — Early immune response; can appear within weeks of infection.
- IgG antibodies — Later immune response; often used to confirm exposure over time.
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) — First-step screening test that detects antibodies broadly.
- Western blot — Second-step test that checks for specific antibody patterns.
Who it is for
A doctor or other clinician typically orders this test when symptoms and possible tick exposure suggest Lyme disease. It is not a routine screening test for people without symptoms.
Preparation
No fasting or special preparation is needed. Tell your clinician about any antibiotics you are taking, since they can affect antibody results.
Results and what they mean
Results are usually reported as negative, positive, or equivocal, sometimes with individual band patterns from a Western blot. A clinician interprets these results alongside your symptoms and exposure history. This is general information, not medical advice; discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Requesting the Lyme Disease Antibody Test in North Carolina
Order online, choose a certified collection site in North Carolina, and review results through a secure portal. No referral is required, and orders are processed confidentially. Access across South is expanding, so confirming a site ahead of time is worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a tick bite can this test be positive?
It may take several weeks after infection for antibodies to reach detectable levels, so a test very soon after a bite can be negative even if infection occurred.
Does a positive result always mean I have Lyme disease?
No. A positive result shows exposure to the bacterium, but a clinician must consider symptoms and other findings to interpret it.
Can antibiotics affect the test result?
Yes. Antibiotics taken before testing may lower antibody levels and affect results, so tell your clinician about any recent antibiotic use.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally unless your clinician gives other instructions.
Lyme Disease Antibody Test by city in North Carolina
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Charlotte
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Raleigh
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Winston-Salem
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Durham
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Greensboro
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Fayetteville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Asheville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Concord
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Wilmington
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Hickory
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Gastonia
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in High Point
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Cary
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Burlington
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Greenville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Jacksonville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Rocky Mount
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Chapel Hill
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Huntersville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Apex
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Kannapolis
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Mooresville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Wilson
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Wake Forest
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Holly Springs
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Indian Trail
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Salisbury
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Monroe
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Goldsboro
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Fuquay-Varina
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in New Bern
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Cornelius
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Garner
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Sanford
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Matthews
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Morrisville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Statesville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Thomasville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Asheboro
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Kernersville
All testing in North Carolina → Full Lyme Disease Antibody Test guide →