Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) carried by deer tick (also called backlegged tick or Ixodes scapularis) and the Western backlegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) can be detected in a single tick using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). If done correctly, this DNA-based assay is both accurate and highly sensitive (detecting < 20 copies of target DNA).

However, once transmitted to your system, Lyme is quickly diluted in your blood and then concentrated in connective tissues. Thus, DNA-based assays are not effective for Borrelia detection in human blood during late-stage infection. In contrast, serological tests used for clinical diagnosis of Lyme rely upon your immune system response. This can take weeks to reach detectable levels and results may vary greatly among individuals. Unfortunately, serology has failed many individuals suffering from chronic Lyme disease. Consequently, misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment are common among these groups. Hence, results from tick testing provides additional information for treatment decisions related to Lyme and other tick-borne infections.

In our effort to bring both Lyme awareness and prevention to your communities, we offer tick testing services. Our goal is to make tick removal, identification and testing both accessible and affordable after a tick bite.