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Suggest Lab Tests To Rule Out Lyme Disease

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Posted on Wed, 10 Feb 2016
Question: Is there a test for Lyme disease and what does this involve?
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Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
ELISA and Western Blot for Lyme

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Yes there is a screening test and a specific test for Lymes. First you can get ELISA for Lyme's disease. IF this is positive you should order for a western blot test, a specific test for Lyme's. Both of them are mandatory to proven Lyme's caused by Borrelia species.

Regarding the itch and eczema it is better to get a first hand opinion from a Dermatologist directly since this problem is bothering for last three years. Lyme disease rash is very typical and can be easily recognized and if you have a history of hiking and living in tick dominated regions you can suspect Lyme, hence get an opinion from Dermatologist first and get the blood test as well.

You will be clear whether it is Lyme's or not. If not you will anyway be treated for the cause by the Dermatologist. Hope it makes sense in a way.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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Suggest Lab Tests To Rule Out Lyme Disease

Brief Answer: ELISA and Western Blot for Lyme Detailed Answer: Hello, Yes there is a screening test and a specific test for Lymes. First you can get ELISA for Lyme's disease. IF this is positive you should order for a western blot test, a specific test for Lyme's. Both of them are mandatory to proven Lyme's caused by Borrelia species. Regarding the itch and eczema it is better to get a first hand opinion from a Dermatologist directly since this problem is bothering for last three years. Lyme disease rash is very typical and can be easily recognized and if you have a history of hiking and living in tick dominated regions you can suspect Lyme, hence get an opinion from Dermatologist first and get the blood test as well. You will be clear whether it is Lyme's or not. If not you will anyway be treated for the cause by the Dermatologist. Hope it makes sense in a way.