Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease test

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early. Ticks are small insects that typically infect deer, dogs, cats and other animals that spend time in the wild. When an infected tick bites you, it can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease to you, thereby infecting you with this disease.

Three reasons this Lyme Disease test is right for you

• If you spend time in the outdoors and might have come into contact with ticks
• If you have been bitten by a tick and want to know if you have been infected with Lyme Disease
• If you have or have had any of the symptoms listed below

Symptoms of Lyme disease

• A round or oval shaped rash around a tick bite is indicative of Lyme Disease infection.
• Rashes generally appear 1 to 4 weeks after being bitten
• The rash can take as long as 3 months to appear after being bitten
• Lyme disease rashes generally have a darker red centre and resemble a bulls eye target.
• The edges of the rash may be bumpy and feel slightly raised.

Some individuals also get flu-like symptoms, days or weeks after being bitten by an infected tick, including:

• running a fever, or feeling hot and shivery
• headache
• muscle and joint pain
• tiredness and loss of energy

Other symptoms of Lyme disease

Some people with Lyme disease develop more severe symptoms months or years later and this is more likely the longer treatment is delayed.

These more severe symptoms may include:

• pain and swelling in joints
• nerve problems – such as pain or numbness
• heart problems
• trouble with memory or concentration

What are the chances of catching Lyme Disease?

Not all ticks in England carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. But it's still important to be aware of ticks and to safely remove them as soon as possible, just in case. Ticks that may cause Lyme disease are found all over the UK, but high-risk places include grassy and wooded areas in southern and northern England and the Scottish Highlands.

How do I schedule my Lyme Disease test appointment?

To book your appointment, please click the ”Book Your Appointment” button at the top of the page. Select a suitable clinic, date, and time that meets your needs.

What can I expect at my appointment?

At your appointment, your blood sample will be collected by one of our doctors.

They will send it to our accredited laboratory for analysis. We will report your results as soon as they are ready. This is usually two working days after your sample is received in the laboratory.

How will I receive my Lyme Disease test results?

Your test results will be uploaded to your secure online Patient Area as soon as they become available. Additionally, you will receive a notification through your preferred method of communication, whether it be a telephone call, email, or text message. We will contact you within the first three days of reporting your result to discuss your next steps if you are positive.

What if I test positive?

If your test results indicate a positive result for Lyme Disease, you should speak to a doctor right away. Better2Know can make you an appointment with one of our doctors so you can discuss you r test result and decide on an appropriate course of treatment.