How Lyme Disease Testing Works
Understanding Lyme disease testing is a critical step in navigating tick-borne illness. At Tick Boot Camp, our goal is to help you evaluate all available options so you can make informed decisions.
Doctor Visit
Clinical Diagnosis
Specialized Labs
Start with Your Doctor
Begin by consulting your healthcare provider and requesting a comprehensive tick-borne disease panel, including Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), which is often covered by insurance. While standard tests are not perfect, they may provide useful information and help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
Clinical Diagnosis Matters
Lyme disease is often diagnosed clinically. Many experienced Lyme-literate doctors will begin treatment based on symptoms, history, and exposure—even when testing is negative or inconclusive. This is because both standard and specialized tests can produce false negatives and are not 100% accurate.
Learn from Experts
Through our interviews with leading experts, you can learn how doctors approach diagnosis and testing in real-world practice.
Specialized Testing Options
If additional testing is needed, specialized laboratories may offer more advanced options. These tests are often used by Lyme-literate practitioners but are typically out-of-network and require out-of-pocket payment.
Leading Lyme Disease Testing Laboratories
IGeneX
IGeneX is one of the most recognized laboratories in the Lyme disease community, known for its focus on tick-borne illness diagnostics and ongoing research and development.
- Advanced testing for Lyme disease and coinfections
- CLIA-certified laboratory with decades of experience
- Widely used by Lyme-literate practitioners
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ArminLabs
ArminLabs, led by Dr. Armin Schwarzbach, is known for comprehensive immune-based testing and its focus on identifying Lyme disease alongside common coinfections.
- Comprehensive tick-borne disease panels
- Coinfection-focused testing approach
- Internationally recognized laboratory
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DNA Connexions
DNA Connexions specializes in PCR-based testing, which detects DNA from Lyme bacteria and other pathogens directly, offering a different approach compared to antibody-based testing.
- PCR testing for Borrelia and coinfections
- Detects active DNA from pathogens
- Non-invasive sample collection options
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Galaxy Diagnostics
Galaxy Diagnostics is known for its advanced testing focused on Bartonella and other vector-borne pathogens using cutting-edge enrichment and detection methods.
- Specializes in Bartonella testing
- Advanced enrichment culture techniques
- Focus on hard-to-detect infections
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RED Laboratories
RED Laboratories is a European-based lab advancing Lyme disease diagnostics through immune testing and innovative methodologies.
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Universal Diagnostic Laboratories
Universal Diagnostic Laboratories is featured through Tick Boot Camp’s conversations about emerging innovation in Lyme disease diagnostics and the effort to improve accuracy and accessibility in testing.
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Tezted
Tezted is a medical device company focused on revolutionizing diagnostics for tick-borne diseases. Through Tick Boot Camp’s interviews with Dr. Leona Gilbert, CEO of Tezted, we highlight both the innovation behind next-generation testing and the importance of publishing data to advance the Lyme disease community.
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Continue Learning
You’re Not Alone
At Tick Boot Camp, our mission is to validate your experience, build community, and help you understand that healing is possible. Through education and storytelling, we aim to help you take the next step in your Lyme disease journey.
