The two tiered model involves a preliminary ELISA test, which, after antibodies have developed, is sensitive enough to pick up all varieties of Lyme infection. If that test is positive, it is then followed by the Western Blot test, which further confirms diagnosis. The clinical assessment, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis: clinical practice guidelines by the infectious diseases society of America. Laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease relies on a blood test that detects antibodies to the Lyme bacteria. It can take several weeks after infection for the immune system to make enough antibodies to be detected by the test. Because many of the symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections overlap with other health problems, they can also be challenging to diagnose. Patients who present with an erythema migrans, or EM rash should be diagnosed and treated without waiting for blood test results. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, a physical exam, the possibility of exposure to infected ticks and laboratory testing. If your healthcare provider suspects Lyme disease, you may be asked to provide a blood sample for testing. Laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease relies on serologic testing for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. CDC recommends a two-step serologic testing process using FDA-cleared assays. Serologic assays may be falsely negative during the first 4-6 weeks after infection. How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and do a physical examination. The round, red rash is a sign of Lyme disease. Your doctor will also ask questions to find out if you've been around infected ticks. You may have a blood test to see if you have certain antibodies in your blood. How is Lyme disease treated? It's the season to start being cautious about ticks and Lyme disease, and this year the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has launched an interactive map to help people assess their risk. A Lyme disease blood test detects antibodies your immune system produces against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Canadian doctors typically use a two-step process: an ELISA screening test followed by a Western blot confirmation test. Antibody tests are the most commonly used tests to help identify Lyme disease. It may take up to 2 months after becoming infected before antibodies can be detected in a blood test. Once formed, antibodies usually stay in your system for many years, even after successful treatment of the disease.