Ordering the Lyme Co-Infection Panels | Igenex
Ordering the Lyme Co-Infection Panels from Igenex helps identify multiple tick-borne infections that may occur alongside Lyme disease, which can cause symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and memory loss. Interestingly, some co-infections can remain hidden and may not show up on standard Lyme tests, making this panel useful for a more complete picture.
Ordering this panel offers:
- Detection of several tick-borne infections in one test
- Helps explain ongoing symptoms when Lyme tests are negative
- Guides targeted treatment by identifying specific co-infections
- Reduces the need for multiple blood draws
- Provides results for both early and late-stage infections
Who Should Consider Tick-Borne Co-Infection Testing
People who have experienced a tick bite and later develop symptoms like fever, chills, or muscle pain may benefit from this panel. For example, someone who has been treated for Lyme disease but continues to feel weak and confused could use this test to check for other infections that ticks can carry.
Ordering may also be helpful in these situations:
- Symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness appear after time outdoors in wooded areas
- Unexplained rashes or swollen lymph nodes develop weeks after a tick bite
- Fatigue, sleep disturbances, or mood swings persist despite previous treatment
- Hearing loss or vision problems start without a clear cause
- Someone who travels to regions where tick-borne diseases are common wants to check for less-known infections like Babesia or Bartonella
Testing for these infections can help pinpoint the cause of symptoms and support a more focused treatment plan. Delaying this panel may allow co-infections to progress, making symptoms harder to manage and possibly leading to longer recovery times.
Preparing for Tick-Borne Disease Panel Collection
Fasting is not required before giving a blood sample for this test, so you can eat and drink as usual. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Lyme Co-Infection Panels | Igenex
| Test Name | Reference Range | What the Test Measures | Low and High Levels of the Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| B. microti IgG/IgM IFA | Negative: <1:40 Equivocal: 1:40 Positive: >1:40 |
This test checks for antibodies to Babesia microti, a parasite that can cause symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue. It helps detect both recent and past infections. | High levels mean your body has made antibodies to Babesia microti, suggesting a current or past infection.
Low levels mean there is little or no evidence of exposure to Babesia microti. |
| B. duncani IgG/IgM IFA | Negative: <1:40 Equivocal: 1:40 Positive: >1:40 |
This test looks for antibodies to Babesia duncani, another parasite spread by ticks. It helps identify infections that may not be found by other Babesia tests. | High levels mean your immune system has responded to Babesia duncani, indicating infection.
Low levels mean there is no sign of exposure to Babesia duncani. |
| Ehrlichia chaffeensis (HME) IgG/IgM IFA | Negative: <1:64 Equivocal: 1:64 Positive: >1:64 |
This test detects antibodies to Ehrlichia chaffeensis, a bacteria that can cause fever, headache, and muscle pain. It helps confirm infection with human monocytic ehrlichiosis. | High levels mean your body has been exposed to Ehrlichia chaffeensis, suggesting infection.
Low levels mean there is no evidence of exposure to Ehrlichia chaffeensis. |
| Anaplasma phagocytophilum (HGA) IgG/IgM IFA | Negative: <1:64 Equivocal: 1:64 Positive: >1:64 |
This test checks for antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a bacteria that can cause fever, chills, and confusion. It helps diagnose human granulocytic anaplasmosis. | High levels mean your immune system has responded to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, indicating infection.
Low levels mean there is no sign of exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. |
| Bartonella henselae IgG/IgM IFA | Negative: <1:64 Equivocal: 1:64 Positive: >1:64 |
This test looks for antibodies to Bartonella henselae, a bacteria that can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and neurological symptoms. It helps detect both recent and past infections. | High levels mean your body has made antibodies to Bartonella henselae, suggesting infection.
Low levels mean there is little or no evidence of exposure to Bartonella henselae. |
| Rickettsia rickettsii IgG IFA | Negative: <1:64 Equivocal: 1:64 Positive: >1:64 |
This test checks for antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii, the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It helps confirm infection in people with symptoms like rash and fever. | High levels mean your immune system has responded to Rickettsia rickettsii, indicating infection.
Low levels mean there is no sign of exposure to Rickettsia rickettsii. |
| Rickettsia typhi IgG IFA | Negative: <1:64 Equivocal: 1:64 Positive: >1:64 |
This test detects antibodies to Rickettsia typhi, a bacteria that can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and rash. It helps diagnose murine typhus. | High levels mean your body has made antibodies to Rickettsia typhi, suggesting infection.
Low levels mean there is little or no evidence of exposure to Rickettsia typhi. |
| Babesia FISH | Negative: Not detected Positive: Detected |
This test uses a special stain to find Babesia parasites directly in the blood. It can detect active infection even if antibodies are not present yet. | High levels mean Babesia parasites are present in the blood, showing an active infection.
Low levels mean no Babesia parasites were found in the blood. |
| Bartonella FISH | Negative: Not detected Positive: Detected |
This test uses a special stain to find Bartonella bacteria directly in the blood. It helps confirm active infection, especially when antibody tests are unclear. | High levels mean Bartonella bacteria are present in the blood, showing an active infection.
Low levels mean no Bartonella bacteria were found in the blood. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods, so always check your report for the most current information.
Lyme Co-Infection Panels FAQ
Is there Lyme Co-Infection Panels testing near me?
This is a test kit that can be collected at a local draw site—check the draw location link at the top of the page for options. For people experiencing ongoing symptoms like joint pain or fatigue after a tick bite, 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 treating physician should always review your results, 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 listed for this panel includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply at your local collection site. Ordering this panel can help you identify hidden co-infections, which may speed up your recovery by guiding more targeted treatment.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 3 to 6 months if symptoms continue or if new symptoms appear, as this helps track changes in infection status and response to treatment.
How accurate is the test?
This panel uses immunofluorescence assays (IFA) and FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) methods, with specificity and sensitivity rates above 95% for most markers. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
Co-infection Panel 1,2, and 3 are not available in New York.
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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