Ordering the Vector-borne Infection Screening Panel | Igenex
The Vector-borne Infection Screening Panel from Igenex helps detect infections caused by ticks and other insects, such as Lyme disease, Bartonella, and Babesia. This test uses advanced methods to identify both early and ongoing infections, which can sometimes be missed by standard tests. Interestingly, some people may carry these infections without showing clear symptoms, making detection more challenging without specialized testing.
Ordering this panel provides several specific benefits:
- Detects multiple vector-borne infections in one test, saving time and effort.
- Uses ImmunoBlot and FISH technology for higher sensitivity and specificity.
- Identifies both recent and long-standing infections for a more complete picture.
- Helps guide targeted treatment by pinpointing the exact infection(s).
- Reduces the risk of misdiagnosis by covering a broad range of pathogens.
Who Should Consider Vector-borne Disease Screening
People who spend time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas, or who have unexplained symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or neurological changes, may benefit from this screening. For example, someone who enjoys hiking and later develops persistent headaches and muscle aches might not connect these symptoms to a possible tick bite from months ago.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Unexplained fever, chills, or night sweats after outdoor activities
- Recurring joint or muscle pain with no clear cause
- Chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or memory issues
- Unusual skin rashes that appear weeks after travel to tick-prone areas
Testing for these infections can help identify the cause of ongoing symptoms, allowing for more precise treatment and monitoring. Delaying this test may allow infections to progress, making them harder to treat and increasing the risk of complications. To get a clearer understanding of your symptoms, consider ordering this screening panel.
Preparing for Vector-borne Pathogen Testing
Fasting is not required before providing your sample for this test, so you can eat and drink as usual. Always follow any specific 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 Vector-borne Infection Screening Panel | Igenex
| Test Name | Reference Range | What the Biomarker Means | Low and High Levels of the Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyme Immunoblot IgG | Negative: No bands or below cutoff Positive: Bands above cutoff |
This test looks for antibodies to Lyme bacteria, showing if your immune system has responded to a Lyme infection. It helps confirm both recent and past exposure. |
High levels mean your body has made antibodies to Lyme bacteria, suggesting current or past infection.
Low levels mean there is little or no immune response to Lyme, making infection less likely. |
| Bartonella ImmunoBlot IgG (5 species) | Negative: No bands or below cutoff Positive: Bands above cutoff |
This test checks for antibodies to five types of Bartonella bacteria, which can cause a range of symptoms from fever to neurological issues. It helps identify both common and rare Bartonella infections. |
High levels mean your immune system has reacted to Bartonella, pointing to a possible infection.
Low levels mean Bartonella infection is less likely or not present. |
| Bartonella FISH | Negative: No Bartonella detected Positive: Bartonella detected |
This test uses a special probe to find Bartonella bacteria directly in your blood, not just antibodies. It can detect active infection even if your immune response is weak. |
High levels mean Bartonella bacteria are present in your blood, showing an active infection.
Low levels mean no Bartonella bacteria were found at the time of testing. |
| Babesia ImmunoBlot IgG | Negative: No bands or below cutoff Positive: Bands above cutoff |
This test looks for antibodies to Babesia, a parasite that infects red blood cells and can cause flu-like symptoms. It helps confirm if your body has responded to Babesia infection. |
High levels mean your immune system has made antibodies to Babesia, suggesting current or past infection.
Low levels mean Babesia infection is unlikely or not present. |
| Babesia FISH | Negative: No Babesia detected Positive: Babesia detected |
This test uses a probe to find Babesia parasites directly in your blood, which can help catch active infections even if antibody levels are low. |
High levels mean Babesia parasites are present in your blood, showing an active infection.
Low levels mean no Babesia parasites were found at the time of testing. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and standards.
Vector-borne Infection Screening Panel | Igenex FAQ
Is there Vector-borne Infection Screening Panel | Igenex testing near me?
This is a test kit you can use at home or at a local draw site, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page. Since symptoms of vector-borne infections can be unpredictable and sometimes hard to trace, having a nearby collection option makes it easier to get tested quickly and start finding answers.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for extra support and clear explanations.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, but local draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you identify infections sooner, which may lead to faster symptom relief and more targeted treatment.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 6 to 12 months if you have ongoing symptoms or new exposure to ticks or insects. Regular testing helps track changes in your infection status and supports timely adjustments to your care plan.
How accurate is the test?
This panel uses ImmunoBlot and FISH methods, which are highly sensitive and specific for detecting vector-borne infections; specificity is about 98% and sensitivity is about 95%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
None.
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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