Lyme Disease Blood Tests: Accuracy and Timing - What You Need to Know

Lyme disease may not always show up in a blood test, especially in the early stage of the infection. The bacterium that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, can be difficult to detect in the blood during the first few weeks after infection. In some cases, it may take several weeks or even months for antibodies to the bacterium to develop and become detectable in a blood test.

For this reason, it is important to consider the timing and symptoms of a possible Lyme disease infection when interpreting blood test results. If you suspect that you may have Lyme disease, it is important to consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, even if a blood test initially comes back negative.