Lyme Disease
Blood Test
Lyme disease blood test at home with nurse visit. Check Borrelia antibodies (IgM/IgG) after tick bite. UK lab, GP-shareable results in 7 days.
Preparation advice provided by your nurse before the visit.
Book online
Choose date & time that suits you
Nurse visits you
At home or your preferred location
Lab analysis
UK accredited laboratory
Results delivered
Secure digital report in 1–2 days
Why take this test?
A Lyme disease blood test helps confirm or rule out infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. If you:
* Have been bitten by a tick or spent time in tick-prone areas (woodlands, grasslands, parks) * Developed a circular “bull’s-eye” rash, unexplained fatigue, joint pain, fever, or flu-like symptoms * Want peace of mind after potential tick exposure * Need results quickly to start treatment early and prevent complications
Early detection allows for prompt antibiotic treatment, which is most effective in the first few weeks of infection. Without testing, Lyme disease can progress to affect your joints, nervous system, and heart.
This test is recommended if you:
What does it test?
B. burgdorferi antibodies (IgG, IgM)
How to Prepare
Lyme disease antibody testing does not require fasting, so you can prepare for your Lyme disease blood test at home with minimal disruption to your normal routine.
No fasting needed – you can eat and drink normally before your test. Antibody levels are not affected by food or drink on the day of testing. Take your usual medicines – unless your doctor or nurse tells you otherwise, continue taking your regular medications. Antibody tests are not affected by most common medications, but if you are already taking antibiotics for suspected Lyme disease, inform your GP as this may affect interpretation of results. Stay hydrated – drinking water before your appointment can make the blood draw easier and more comfortable for the nurse. Note the date and location of any tick bites – if you remember when and where you were bitten by a tick, write this down to share with your nurse and GP. This information helps with interpreting your test results and timing. Document any symptoms – make a note of when symptoms started (rash, fatigue, joint pain, fever) and take photos of any rashes, especially circular “bull’s-eye” rashes. Your GP will use this alongside your blood test results. Bring any previous Lyme test results – if you have had Lyme disease testing before, comparing results can help track antibody changes over time and determine if infection is recent or past. Wear comfortable clothing – choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample to be taken from your arm.
If you are unsure about medication, have any health conditions that might affect testing, or have any questions about tick exposure or symptoms, your nurse can answer these during your appointment.
How it Works
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
You’re then given instructions on calling the team to book a date and time for a nurse, so they can take your blood sample at your home, workplace or clinic.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Clinical Evidence
Two-tier antibody testing for Lyme disease: UK and international guidance recommends using antibody tests (ELISA followed by immunoblot/Western blot when needed) to detect immune responses to Borrelia burgdorferi, with IgM antibodies indicating recent infection and IgG antibodies suggesting past or ongoing immune response.
Source: UK Health Security Agency Lyme disease guidance, NICE Lyme disease diagnosis and management
Timing of antibody detection: Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi typically take 2–4 weeks (IgM) or 4–6 weeks (IgG) to develop after a tick bite, meaning testing too early may produce false negatives and retesting may be needed if initial results are negative but symptoms persist.
Source: NICE Lyme disease laboratory testing recommendations, UK Health Security Agency testing guidance
Clinical correlation is essential: Lyme disease diagnosis should never rely on blood test results alone—your GP or specialist must consider your symptoms, tick bite history, rash appearance (such as erythema migrans), and physical examination alongside test results to make an accurate diagnosis.
Source: NICE Lyme disease diagnosis recommendations, NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary on Lyme disease
Venous blood sampling for accuracy: Venous blood collection provides sufficient sample volume and consistent quality for laboratory antibody testing, reducing the risk of sample errors and false results that can occur with finger-prick capillary samples.
Source: UK Health Security Agency laboratory guidance
Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories covering sample handling, testing protocols, and result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your Lyme disease antibody results are reliable and suitable for clinical use.
Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview
Frequently Asked Questions
How Soon After A Tick Bite Should I Get Tested For Lyme Disease?
Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi take time to develop, so testing too early may produce a false negative. For the most accurate results, wait at least 2–4 weeks after a tick bite before testing. If you develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, or joint pain sooner, contact your GP immediately—they may start treatment based on clinical assessment even before test results are available.
Do I Need To Fast Before A Lyme Disease Blood Test?
No. Lyme disease antibody testing does not require fasting. You can eat and drink normally before your nurse appointment, making this test convenient and easy to fit into your daily routine.
What Does A Positive Lyme Disease Test Mean?
A positive result means antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi have been detected in your blood, suggesting you have been exposed to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Share your results with your GP, who will consider your symptoms, tick bite history, and clinical examination before confirming a diagnosis and recommending antibiotic treatment if appropriate.
What If My Test Is Negative But I Still Have Symptoms?
A negative result may mean you were tested too early, before antibodies developed, or that your symptoms are caused by something other than Lyme disease. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your GP—they may recommend retesting in a few weeks or investigating other potential causes such as viral infections, arthritis, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS GP?
Yes. Your results are provided as a professional laboratory report in a format suitable for sharing with NHS or private GPs, infectious disease specialists, or other healthcare providers. The report includes all necessary technical information and reference ranges used in UK clinical practice, and your GP can use it to support diagnosis and treatment decisions.
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
The nurse visit typically takes 10–15 minutes. The blood sample itself only takes a few minutes to collect using a venous draw from your arm, with a little extra time for paperwork and answering any questions you may have about the test or Lyme disease symptoms.
When Will I Get My Results?
Results are typically available within 5–7 days of your blood sample reaching the laboratory. You'll receive your results by email as a clear PDF report that you can save, print, or share with your GP for discussion and next steps.
Is Lyme Disease Common In The UK?
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in the UK, with an estimated 3,000–4,000 cases diagnosed each year. However, many cases go undiagnosed or unreported. Ticks carrying Borrelia burgdorferi are found in woodlands, grasslands, parks, and moorlands across the UK, particularly in southern England, the Scottish Highlands, and rural areas of Wales and Northern Ireland.
Can I Take This Test If I'm Already On Antibiotics?
Antibiotics treat the bacterial infection but do not immediately remove antibodies from your blood. If you've already started antibiotic treatment, consult your GP about the best timing for testing. In some cases, your GP may prefer to test before starting treatment, or may use the test to monitor your immune response during or after treatment.
What Should I Do If I Find A Tick On My Skin?
Remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull upwards steadily without twisting. Clean the area with antiseptic. Note the date and location of the bite, and monitor for symptoms such as a rash, fever, or joint pain over the following weeks. If you develop symptoms or the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, contact your GP and consider a Lyme disease blood test 2–4 weeks after the bite.
UK Blood Tests
Health Tests Overview Online Blood Tests Blood Test At Home Extra Guides
Legal
Privacy Policy & GDPR Refunds & Cancellations Company Information Cookie Policy Delivery Policy
Disclaimer:
None of our tests or services are intended to be a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, help, diagnosis, or treatment. Please See Our Medical Disclaimer © 2026 Blood Test UK. Your Health in Your Hands facebook email Health Tests General Cholesterol Blood Test Diabetes Blood Test Kidney Blood Test General Health Blood Test Liver Blood Test Standard Liver Blood Test Advanced Lyme Disease Blood Test Standard Thyroid Blood Test Comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test Well Person Blood Test Sports Performance & Muscle Recovery Test Tired All The Time Blood Test Hormones Cortisol Blood Test Male Hormone Blood Test Male Weight Control Blood Test Standard Testosterone Blood Test Comprehensive Testosterone Blood Test Female Hormone Blood Test Female Weight Control Blood Test Female Fertility Blood Test Pregnancy Blood Test Menopause Blood Test Blood Blood Grouping Blood Test Full Blood Count Food Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Comprehensive Food Intolerance Test Nutritional Anaemia Blood Test Mineral Blood Test Vitamin D Blood Test Vitamin B12 Blood Test Vitamin Blood Test General Cholesterol Blood Test Diabetes Blood Test Kidney Blood Test General Health Blood Test Liver Blood Test Standard Liver Blood Test Advanced Lyme Disease Blood Test Standard Thyroid Blood Test Comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test Well Person Blood Test Sports Performance & Muscle Recovery Test Tired All The Time Blood Test Cholesterol Blood Test Diabetes Blood Test Kidney Blood Test General Health Blood Test Liver Blood Test Standard Liver Blood Test Advanced Lyme Disease Blood Test Standard Thyroid Blood Test Comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test Well Person Blood Test Sports Performance & Muscle Recovery Test Tired All The Time Blood Test Hormones Cortisol Blood Test Male Hormone Blood Test Male Weight Control Blood Test Standard Testosterone Blood Test Comprehensive Testosterone Blood Test Female Hormone Blood Test Female Weight Control Blood Test Female Fertility Blood Test Pregnancy Blood Test Menopause Blood Test Cortisol Blood Test Male Hormone Blood Test Male Weight Control Blood Test Standard Testosterone Blood Test Comprehensive Testosterone Blood Test Female Hormone Blood Test Female Weight Control Blood Test Female Fertility Blood Test Pregnancy Blood Test Menopause Blood Test Blood Blood Grouping Blood Test Full Blood Count Blood Grouping Blood Test Full Blood Count Food Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Comprehensive Food Intolerance Test Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Comprehensive Food Intolerance Test Nutritional Anaemia Blood Test Mineral Blood Test Vitamin D Blood Test Vitamin B12 Blood Test Vitamin Blood Test Anaemia Blood Test Mineral Blood Test Vitamin D Blood Test Vitamin B12 Blood Test Vitamin Blood Test Symptoms Blood Sugar Chronic Fatigue Low Energy Low Mood, Brain Fog Tired all the Time Sluggish, Thirsty, Foggy Shakey, Irratable, Tired, Light headed Muscle Recovery Sports Performance Hair Thinning Hormone Imbalance Male Female Low Libido Male Female Poor Sleep Digestive Bloating Food Intolerance Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Slow Metabolism Male Female Weight Gain Male Female Male Vitality Female Fertility Menopause High Cholesterol Heart Health Immune Health Iron Deficiency Skin Nail Health Stress Cortisol Thyroid Issues Vitamin Deficiency Blood Sugar Chronic Fatigue Low Energy Low Mood, Brain Fog Tired all the Time Sluggish, Thirsty, Foggy Shakey, Irratable, Tired, Light headed Muscle Recovery Sports Performance Hair Thinning Hormone Imbalance Male Female Male Female Low Libido Male Female Male Female Poor Sleep Digestive Bloating Food Intolerance Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Coeliac Test Dairy Intolerance Test Food Intolerance Test Nut Intolerance Test Shellfish Intolerance Test Slow Metabolism Male Female Male Female Weight Gain Male Female Male Female Male Vitality Female Fertility Menopause High Cholesterol Heart Health Immune Health Iron Deficiency Skin Nail Health Stress Cortisol Thyroid Issues Vitamin Deficiency About Articles Contact Login facebook email Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes {title} {title} {title}