Ordering the Borrelia Burgdorferi Multiplex PCR Test for Lyme (DNA Fragments)
The Borrelia Burgdorferi Multiplex PCR Test for Lyme (DNA Fragments) detects the genetic material of the Lyme disease-causing bacteria directly in your blood. This test is especially useful for people who have ongoing symptoms but have negative or unclear results from standard Lyme antibody tests. Interestingly, PCR testing can sometimes identify Lyme disease even before the body produces detectable antibodies, which can help with earlier detection.
Ordering this test can help you get clear answers about possible Lyme infection, especially if you have symptoms that come and go or if you have been exposed to ticks in areas where Lyme is common. When you order this test, you can expect these specific benefits:
- Direct detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA, not just antibodies
- Helpful for people with chronic or late-stage Lyme symptoms
- Useful when standard Lyme tests are negative but symptoms persist
- Can identify infection even if you have a weakened immune response
- Results can guide your doctor in choosing the right treatment plan
Who Should Consider Lyme Bacteria DNA Testing
People who have had a tick bite and later develop joint pain, fatigue, or a rash that looks like a bull’s-eye may want to know if Lyme bacteria are present in their blood. For example, someone who spends time hiking in wooded areas and later starts having unexplained headaches and muscle aches might want to check for Lyme disease, especially if other tests have not given clear answers.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Symptoms like facial palsy or dizziness appear weeks after a tick bite
- Chronic joint pain or swelling with no clear cause
- Unexplained memory problems or trouble focusing after outdoor activities
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat following a possible tick exposure
- Swollen lymph nodes that persist after a rash fades, which can sometimes be linked to Lyme infection
Testing for Lyme bacteria DNA can help confirm if the infection is still present, which is important for choosing the right treatment and tracking progress. Delaying this test could mean missing the best window for early treatment, which may make symptoms harder to manage later.
If you want to move forward, you can order the test online and have your sample collected locally.
Preparing for Borrelia PCR and Related Tick-Borne Disease Testing
Fasting is not needed for this test; you can eat and drink as usual before your sample is collected. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected the right way and your results are as helpful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Borrelia Burgdorferi Multiplex PCR Test for Lyme (DNA Fragments)
| Test Name | Reference Range | What the Test Measures | Low and High Levels of Borrelia Burgdorferi Multiplex PCR Test for Lyme (DNA Fragments) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borrelia Burgdorferi Multiplex PCR (DNA Fragments) | Lyme Disease | Negative | This test looks for the DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It can detect the infection even if antibodies are not present. |
High levels mean Borrelia DNA is detected, showing an active infection.
Low levels mean no Borrelia DNA is found, suggesting no current infection. |
| PCR Genomic | Negative | PCR Genomic targets the main DNA of the Lyme bacteria, helping confirm if the bacteria are present in your blood sample. |
High levels mean the main DNA of Borrelia is found, showing infection.
Low levels mean the main DNA is not detected, so infection is unlikely. |
| PCR Plasmid | Negative | PCR Plasmid checks for extra DNA pieces in the Lyme bacteria, which can help confirm infection even if the main DNA is missed. |
High levels mean extra DNA from Borrelia is present, supporting a diagnosis of infection.
Low levels mean these DNA pieces are not found, so infection is less likely. |
Reference ranges may change slightly over time as labs update their methods and guidelines.
Borrelia Burgdorferi Multiplex PCR Test for Lyme FAQ
Is there Borrelia Burgdorferi Multiplex PCR Test for Lyme testing near me?
This is a test kit that you can order and have your blood drawn at a local collection site—check the draw location link at the top of the page. For people with ongoing symptoms like joint pain or fatigue, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to get tested quickly and start finding answers.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your doctor should review your results with you, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand what your results mean and what steps to take next.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, but there may be a separate fee for the blood draw. Ordering this test can help you get answers sooner, which is important if you have symptoms that have not improved with other treatments.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended if symptoms return or if your doctor wants to check for ongoing infection after treatment, often within a few months. Repeating the test can help track if the infection is still present and guide further treatment decisions.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Borrelia DNA, which is highly specific for Lyme bacteria. The test has a specificity of 99% and a sensitivity of 85%. TrueHealthLabs.com works with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified labs to maintain high-quality testing standards you can trust.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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