Options for Serological Testing
TickCheck does not offer serological testing. However, our partner Ulta Lab Tests can provide cost-effective and reliable serological tests. After you've received your DNA test results and spoke with your physician, you may consider the following blood tests.
Disclaimer: This should not be taken as medical advice. Medical advice should only be given to you by your preferred medical care provider. This information is only here to aid you with gaining insight on the topic.
Find Your Test:
- My tick has a positive Borrelia burgdorferi result.
- My tick is an engorged lone star tick.
- My tick has a positive Babesia microti or Babesia duncani result.
- My tick has a positive Ehrlichia chaffeensis result.
- My tick has a positive Rickettsia rickettsii result.
- My tick has a positive Bartonella result.
If your tick has a positive Borrelia burgdorferi result…
Lyme Disease - AB with reflex to blot; igG and igM. $44
This should be the initial testing you receive before moving onto any of the others listed.
The CDC recommends a two-tier process for testing Lyme disease. ELISA and Western Blot are usually the performed testing. This would act as the first and or second part of the screening.
Lyme Disease - Antibodies igG and igM. $63
IgM antibodies are indicative of a recent infection.
IgG antibodies are a sign of an older infection.
While IgM antibodies will disappear around the 8 week mark post-exposure, IgG antibodies can remain for years. So testing positive after getting treatment is very likely.
Lyme Disease - Direct and indirect testing. PCR and serology. $229
Serological tests don’t determine if the B. burgdorferi pathogen is present. Instead, the testing reveals if antibodies have formed due to an infection caused by B. burgdorferi.
This test is useful if you are unsure of what stage you are in a possible infection.
- The recommended time frame should be anywhere from 4-6 weeks.
- There’s a window period before the initial infection occurs and when antibodies form.
- Adequate time between a tick bite and serology testing is important to ensure an accurate result. False negatives are more likely to occur when you test too early.
- If you are experiencing symptoms it is not recommended to test. In this case you should speak with a physician about your treatment options.
If you had an engorged lone star tick attached…
Alpha-gal - Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE. $169
The presence of antibodies against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose is associated with a red meat allergy.
Having antibodies against the carbohydrate could lead to severe anaphylactic reactions.
Alpha-gal - Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (Alpha-Gal) IgE, beef (Bos spp) IgE, pork (Sus spp) IgE, and lamb/mutton (Ovis spp) IgE $237
Unlike the previous alpha-gal test this would be considered a panel.
It tests for antibodies against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, beef IgE, pork IgE, and lamb/mutton IgE.
The tests are recommended early in exposure as eating meat while having the allergy could have severe or deadly effects.
If your tick has a positive Babesia microti or Babesia duncani result…
Babesiosis - Babesia microti (igG, igM.) $88
Detects antibodies against the protozoan parasite Babesia microti.
Babesiosis is most prevalent in the Northeast, upper Midwest, and Pacific Coast of the United States. Living in these areas puts you at a higher risk.
Babesiosis - Babesia duncani (WA1) Antibody (IgG), IFA $219
Detects antibodies against the protozoan parasite Babesia duncani.
You are at higher risk if you live in the Pacific Northwest.
If your tick has a positive Ehrlichia chaffeensis result…
If your tick has a positive Rickettsia rickettsii result…
If your tick has a positive Bartonella result…
Remember that these tests should not act as a diagnosis. Instead, they should be a tool for you and your provider in order to form a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that works best for you based on your needs.
Prices listed as of May 9th, 2022 and are subject to change. Prices are set by Ulta Lab Tests.
