Are you concerned that you have suffered a tick bite? Or are you experiencing unusual symptoms such as a bull’s eye rash, chronic fatigue, headaches, and muscle weakness? You probably should get tested for Lyme disease to be on the safe side.
Don’t worry? There’s no need to wait for a potentially expensive doctor’s appointment as there a number of reliable at-home Lyme disease tests to save you time and money.
With so many to choose from, how do you know which is the best Lyme disease test for you? Which one will give you accurate results and provide support in the event of a positive result?
No problem? I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and found the best at-home Lyme disease tests, so you can choose the best one for you.
Keep reading for my top recommendation of at-home tests for Lyme disease.
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Short on time? Here are our top pics for best at-home Lyme Disease tests
- LetsGetChecked provide quick results from CLIA-certified labs and offer consultations if you test positive.
- Everlywell offers affordable at-home Lyme disease testing and results within 5 business days.
- Personalabs affordable and convenient lab-based testing for Lyme disease at 2,300+ locations across the US.
- SelfDecode checks your genetic predisposition to getting Lyme disease.
- Check out our comparison table
- FAQ
What We Look For in the Best Lyme Disease Tests
There are a few important criteria we look for when choosing a test for Lyme disease. Some may be of higher priority to you than others, but all are worth considering while you decide.
- Trustworthiness: Does the company have positive reviews from real customers. Do they test your samples in accredited labs?
- Value-for-money: Does the Lyme disease cost come at a fair price with no pricey add-ons?
- Actionability: Does your report guide you towards the next steps following a positive result? Is experienced medical advice available?
- Speedy Results: Are your results delivered in a timely manner so you can take any required action as soon as possible?
- Report Clarity: Can you understand your results? Is support available if you require further explanation?
1. LetsGetChecked – Fast, Reliable Lyme Disease Results
- IgG and IgM antibody test for Lyme disease bacteria
- CLIA and Cap-accredited labs
- Results in 2-5 days
- Nursing team available 24/7
The Lyme disease test from LetsGetChecked analyzes your blood sample for reactivity to Borrelia IgG and IgM antibodies – Borrelia is the bacteria carried by some ticks, that causes Lyme disease. A large concentration of IgM can indicate recent infection, while a higher concentration of IgG may indicate a Lyme disease infection that’s been present for a while.
Your results are reviewed by an independent physician and will be available within two to five days after receipt of your finger-prick blood sample. A positive result – along with symptoms and travel history – may indicate a Lyme disease infection, but it is not a clinical diagnosis. Only a medical professional can make an official diagnosis.
If you test positive, a member of the nursing team will call you to discuss your results and treatment options. If you need any additional support, the nursing team is available 24/7 to answer any questions that may have slipped your mind during your consultation.
2. Everlywell – Test for Three Strains of Lyme Disease
- Antibody test for three strains of Lyme disease bacteria
- CLIA-certified labs
- Results within 5 business days
- Physician consultation available
The kit from Everlywell, tests to see if you have been exposed to three strains of the Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia: Borrelia garinii, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia burgdorferi
Using a finger-prick sample of your blood, the test measures IgG and IgM antibody reactivity to Borrealia bacteria. The easy-to-understand results tell you if you’ve tested positive or negative for previous exposure to any of the three bacteria strains.
Your physician-reviewed results are delivered to your secure online account within five days of the CLIA-approved lab receiving your blood sample. If you test positive, a care coordinator will contact you to discuss the next steps.
If you want any more information on Lyme Disease, the Everlywell website has an extensive knowledge base, covering a wide range of frequently asked questions.
3. Personalabs – Convenient Lab-Based Testing for Lyme Disease
- Antibody blood test
- Testing at 2,300+ locations across the US
- No appointment necessary
- Results in 2-10 business days
Personalabs offers convenient same-day testing for Lyme disease at over 2,300 testing locations across the US. Simply order your Lyme disease test online and head to your nearest testing center to provide your blood sample. No appointment is necessary.
The test measures the immune response to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which is carried by black-legged ticks, which are particularly common in the eastern United States. This makes it a good choice for you if you live in or have recently traveled to the area and suspect you have been bitten.
Results are sent to your online account in 2-10 days of your providing your sample, and are easy to interpret. If you need advice on what to do next, you can arrange a consultation with an independent physician in your state.
4. SelfDecode – Tests Genetic Predisposition to Lyme Disease
- Doesn’t test for Lyme disease
- Analyzes genetic markers for Lyme disease predisposition
- Results in 6-8 weeks
- Option to upload raw DNA data
SelfDecode is different from the other vendors on this list as it doesn’t actually test for Lyme disease. Instead, using your raw DNA data, it flags genetic markers that may indicate a higher risk of developing chronic Lyme disease.
Once you have submitted a DNA sample (either by saliva sample or raw DNA data upload), you can have it analyzed for certain genetic variations to receive personalized health reports.
With SelfDecode you can screen your DNA for the expression of certain variants of the ABCB1 gene this can indicate that you’re more likely to suffer from chronic Lyme disease. This is because it can impair your body’s ability to flush the infection, and may result in some people developing autoimmune reactions.
You can also see if you have genetic markers indicating a higher risk of numerous other health issues, such as inflammation and cardiovascular conditions.
What’s in the Fine Print?
I’ve done the extra research to make sure that you don’t get any nasty surprises – such as extra costs – when purchasing your Lyme Disease test.
There are no shipping costs for the test kits from Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, or Personalabs but if you order a DNA test from SelfDecodeyou will need to pay for shipping. However, SelfDecode does ship all over the world.
Testing costs may be covered by your HSA/FSA. LetsGetChecked and Everlywell accept payments via Health Savings Accounts/Flexible Savings Accounts. This could save you on out-of-pocket testing costs – talk to your provider before ordering.
Perhaps most importantly, the results of your at-home Lyme disease test is not a clinical diagnosis – they only check for your body’s IgM and IgG antibody response to potential Lyme infection. You should follow up with your doctor if symptoms persist regardless of the results of your test.
How Do My Top Picks Compete On Price?
The Lyme disease tests on this list are relatively close on price. The test from Personalabs is the cheapest, but for the low cost, you need to visit a testing location to provide your samples.
The tests from Everlywell and LetsGetCheckedare comparable on price and while affordable, regularly offer special discounts that bring down the cost further.
If you have existing DNA data to upload, SelfDecode offers low-cost and free DNA wellness reports on much more than your predisposition to chronic Lyme disease for active subscribers. If you’re interested in learning more about your genetic predispositions, SelfDecode provides excellent value-for-money.
Which Is the Best At-home Lyme Disease Test?
All four Lyme disease tests on this list are great choices, but my top recommendation is LetsGetChecked, thanks to fast results, reliability, competitive pricing, and global shipping of tests.
Everlywell provides the best value-for-money, testing for three strains of Borrelia bacteria with one kit, ideal if you’re unsure which type of tick has bitten you, or you just want to cover all your bases.
The cheapest test is from Personalabs, as there are no shipping or kit costs involved when you go directly to the lab to provide your sample.
If you live in an area where ticks are common, knowing your potential risk of developing Chronic Lyme disease could prove useful. With information from SelfDecode, you will know the importance of getting treatment early if you have a suspected tick bite.
At-home testing doesn’t end with Lyme disease. Why not find out what information is hidden within your genes with the best at-home cheap DNA tests.
At-Home Lyme Disease Test Comparison
| Antibody Test | Physician/Nurse Consultation | Time to Results | Price | |
| LetsGetChecked | ✔ | ✔ | 2-5 days | $119 |
| Everlywell | ✔ | ✔ | 5 days | $109 |
| Personalabs | ✔ | ✔ | 2-10 days | $91 |
| SelfDecode | ✖ | ✖ | 6-8 weeks with DNA test | Starts at $97 |
Get Checked With LetsGetChecked!
FAQ
Are Lyme disease tests accurate?
Most at-home Lyme disease test kits screen for certain IgG and IgM antibodies that are part of the immune response against an infected tick bite. It takes time for these antibodies to appear in the bloodstream, and therefore a Lyme disease test will typically be most accurate once these antibodies have developed.
If you take a test too early, you may receive a false negative, as antibodies are not yet present in the blood, despite you having the infection. It takes between four and six weeks for antibodies to be detectable.
Whether you test positive for Lyme disease antibodies or not, you should still follow up with your healthcare provider. The results of an at-home Lyme disease test should not be taken as an official diagnosis for the condition.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
The symptom most associated with Lyme disease is the bull’s eye rash and if you have one, you should not wait to take an at-home test. Seek medical attention right away to prevent any potential complications. Other symptoms associated with Lyme disease include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Severe fatigue
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Vertigo (dizziness/balance issues)
- Memory issues
- Heart palpitations
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Facial paralysis
- Sleep disturbances
Is Lyme disease curable?
In most patients Lyme disease – when caught early – is cured by a course of antibiotics. However, in some cases, where symptoms are severe or not resolved by antibiotics, patients may be referred to the hospital for further tests and treatment.
In rare cases, diagnosed patients continue to experience symptoms, like tiredness and aching joints, for years. Treatment for chronic patients involves symptom management through physical therapy, diet modifications, and IV antibiotic treatments.
How can I reduce my risk of getting Lyme?
If you live in or travel to areas where ticks are common, there are a number of measures you can take to avoid being bitten, including:
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin
- When walking outdoors, cover your skin and tuck your trousers into your socks
- Stick to paths whenever possible
- Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off
- Check for ticks and remove them safely within 48 hours
Remember, a small minority of tick bites result in Lyme disease, but it is worth getting tested, just to be safe.
Does insurance cover the cost of Lyme disease tests?
Insurance doesn’t usually cover the cost of at-home Lyme disease tests and the results shouldn’t be taken as an official diagnosis. That being said, it’s worth getting in touch with your insurance provider to better understand your options.
What is the best at-home Lyme disease test?
All the Lyme disease tests on this list meet our high standards, but I have a few insights that may help you make your decision.
- LetsGetChecked is the only blood test provider to offer Lyme disease testing outside the US, serving over 20 global markets, including across Europe.
- If you want to test for a number of strains of Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Everlywellis the best choice as it measures the immune response for three types.
- If you’re looking to learn more about your overall health and wellness, which includes how your body may respond to Lyme disease, SelfDecode offers a wide range of personalized health reports utilizing the information in your DNA.
