Ordering the Tickborne Disease – Culture Enhanced PCR Test | Igenex
The Tickborne Disease – Culture Enhanced PCR Test from IgeneX uses both culture enrichment and PCR technology to detect Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia in blood samples. This test is designed for people who have experienced symptoms after a tick bite or who have unexplained symptoms that may be linked to tick-borne infections. Interestingly, this test can sometimes identify infections that standard antibody tests might miss, especially in early or chronic cases.
Ordering this test provides several specific benefits:
- Detects multiple tick-borne pathogens in one blood sample
- Combines culture and PCR for improved detection, even in early or persistent infections
- Helps clarify the cause of symptoms when other tests are inconclusive
- Supports targeted treatment decisions by identifying the exact pathogen
- Reduces the need for multiple separate tests, saving time and resources
Who Should Consider Tickborne Pathogen PCR and Culture Testing
People who have had a recent tick bite and now experience symptoms like fever, joint pain, or fatigue may benefit from this test. For example, someone who enjoys hiking in wooded areas and later develops unexplained headaches and muscle aches could use this test to check for tick-borne infections.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Unexplained neurological symptoms such as memory loss or confusion after outdoor activities
- Persistent joint or muscle pain with no clear cause
- Recurring fevers, chills, or night sweats following time spent in tick-prone regions
- Heart palpitations or dizziness that started after a known tick bite
- Unusual skin rashes that do not respond to standard treatments, especially after outdoor exposure
Testing can help pinpoint the cause of symptoms by directly identifying the DNA of tick-borne bacteria in the blood, which can lead to more precise treatment. Delaying this test may allow infections to progress, making them harder to treat and possibly leading to more severe symptoms.
Preparing for Tickborne Disease PCR and Culture Screening
Fasting is not required before 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 and processed correctly.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Tickborne Disease – Culture Enhanced PCR Test | Igenex
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Means | Low and High Levels of This Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) | Not detected | This marker checks for the DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It helps confirm if Lyme bacteria are present in your blood. |
High levels mean active Lyme infection is likely present.
Low levels mean Lyme bacteria were not found in the sample. |
| RFB & Bbsl (Relapsing Fever Borrelia & Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) | Not detected | This test looks for DNA from relapsing fever Borrelia and other Borrelia species that can cause Lyme-like symptoms. It helps identify less common tick-borne infections. |
High levels mean a relapsing fever Borrelia or related species is present.
Low levels mean these bacteria were not detected. |
| Babesia | Not detected | Babesia is a parasite that infects red blood cells and can cause symptoms similar to malaria. This marker checks for Babesia DNA in your blood. |
High levels mean Babesia infection is likely present.
Low levels mean Babesia was not found in the sample. |
| Bartonella | Not detected | Bartonella bacteria can cause a range of symptoms, including fever and swollen lymph nodes. This test detects Bartonella DNA in your blood sample. |
High levels mean Bartonella infection is likely present.
Low levels mean Bartonella was not detected. |
| Ehrlichia | Not detected | Ehrlichia are bacteria that infect white blood cells and can cause fever, chills, and muscle aches. This marker checks for Ehrlichia DNA in your blood. |
High levels mean Ehrlichia infection is likely present.
Low levels mean Ehrlichia was not found in the sample. |
| Anaplasma | Not detected | Anaplasma bacteria can cause flu-like symptoms and affect white blood cells. This test looks for Anaplasma DNA in your blood sample. |
High levels mean Anaplasma infection is likely present.
Low levels mean Anaplasma was not detected. |
| Rickettsia | Not detected | Rickettsia are bacteria that can cause spotted fever and other tick-borne illnesses. This marker checks for Rickettsia DNA in your blood. |
High levels mean Rickettsia infection is likely present.
Low levels mean Rickettsia was not found in the sample. |
Reference ranges may be updated from time to time as new research and clinical guidelines become available.
Tickborne Disease – Culture Enhanced PCR Test | Igenex FAQ
Is there Tickborne Disease – Culture Enhanced PCR Test | Igenex 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 people experiencing 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, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for a detailed explanation and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price listed for this test includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply at your local collection site. Ordering this test can help you identify the cause of symptoms sooner, which may lead to faster relief and more targeted treatment.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended if symptoms return, new symptoms develop, or after completing treatment to confirm the infection is gone. Regular follow-up testing can help track progress and make sure any tick-borne infection has been fully addressed.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses a combination of culture enrichment and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to detect tick-borne pathogens, with a specificity of 99% and a sensitivity of 95%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
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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