Lyme Disease Antibody Test in New Hampshire
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. Across New Hampshire, part of New England, the lyme disease antibody test can be ordered directly and collected at a certified site — no referral required.
- 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 New Hampshire
Order online, choose a certified collection site in New Hampshire, and review results through a secure portal. No referral is required, and orders are processed confidentially. With short distances between towns that keep most people within an easy drive of a draw site, it pays to schedule your collection in advance.
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 New Hampshire
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Nashua
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Manchester
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Portsmouth
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Dover
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Concord
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Rochester
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Keene
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Laconia
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Lebanon
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Claremont
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Somersworth
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Berlin
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Franklin
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in South Hooksett
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Suncook
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Pinardville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in East Merrimack
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Tilton Northfield
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Hampton Beach
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in North Conway
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Woodsville
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in West Swanzey
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in Contoocook
- Lyme Disease Antibody Test in North Haverhill
All testing in New Hampshire → Full Lyme Disease Antibody Test guide →