Infection

Borrelia — The Tick Bite Test You Shouldn't Skip

Got bitten by a tick? Or just spent a lovely afternoon in the tall grass and now you're wondering? This test checks whether your immune system has started fighting Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. It looks at two types of antibodies: IgM (the "this is happening right now" kind) and IgG (the "this happened a while ago" kind). Catching it early means antibiotics can do their job before things get complicated — think joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue that just won't quit.

Why Test Borrelia Blood Test?

If you've pulled a tick off your body — or spent time in an area where ticks love to hang out — and you're now dealing with a weird rash, fever, achy joints, or bone-deep tiredness, it's time to test. Heads up: antibodies can take a few weeks to show up after a bite, so timing matters. This test is also worth considering if you've got mystery symptoms like swollen joints, neurological weirdness, or fatigue that nobody can explain.

What Do High Borrelia Blood Test Levels Mean?

Positive IgM? That points to a recent infection — probably within the last few weeks. Positive IgG? Your immune system has been at this for a while, suggesting an older or ongoing infection. Either way, a positive result needs follow-up testing and a conversation with your doctor, since false positives can happen.

What Do Low Borrelia Blood Test Levels Mean?

A negative result means no Borrelia antibodies were found in your blood right now. That could mean you're in the clear — or it could be too early for antibodies to have formed. If your symptoms stick around or you were recently bitten, come back and test again in 4-6 weeks.

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Expanding circular rash (the classic bullseye)
  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue that won't let up
  • Headache and stiff neck
  • Joint pain and swelling, especially in the knees
  • Muscle aches
  • Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Who Should Get Tested?

  • Anyone who's found a tick on their body
  • People living in or visiting tick-heavy areas
  • Those with a spreading rash after time outdoors
  • People with unexplained joint pain, fatigue, or neurological symptoms
  • Anyone wanting to rule out Lyme as a cause of ongoing symptoms

How to Prepare for Your Test

No special preparation needed. Just bring valid ID to your appointment.

Order Your Blood Test

Test your Borrelia Blood Test levels with an accredited Swedish laboratory. Results within days, reviewed by Wellth.

Borrelia Antibody Test →

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after a tick bite should I test?
Give it 2-6 weeks. Antibodies need time to build up. If your first test comes back negative but you still feel off, retest after 4-6 weeks.
Can I have Lyme disease with a negative test?
Yes, especially early on. In the first weeks of infection, antibodies may not be detectable yet. That's why symptoms and clinical history matter just as much as the test itself.
Is Borrelia the same as Lyme disease?
Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacterium. Lyme disease is what it causes. The blood test detects the antibodies your body makes to fight it.
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Wellth Team

Wellth

Our content is written and reviewed by Wellth, and fact-checked against peer-reviewed research and current Swedish clinical guidelines.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wellth provides health information and testing services but is not a substitute for clinical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, contact your doctor or call 1177 Vårdguiden. Blood test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your complete medical history.