From the Guidelines
The typical turnaround time for a Lyme antibody test is usually 1-3 days for standard laboratory testing. This timeframe can vary depending on the specific laboratory and testing method used, with some reference laboratories taking up to 7-10 days to return results, especially if confirmatory testing is required 1. Point-of-care rapid tests can provide results in as little as 15-30 minutes, but these are less commonly used and may be less reliable than standard laboratory tests. The two-tier testing approach recommended for Lyme disease diagnosis often requires additional time, as a positive or equivocal ELISA test must be followed by a Western blot test for confirmation.
- Key factors influencing turnaround time include:
- Laboratory capacity and workload
- Testing method used (e.g., ELISA, Western blot)
- Need for confirmatory testing
- Patients should be advised to monitor their symptoms and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms worsen while waiting for test results.
- It is also important to consider the timing of testing, as antibodies may not be detectable until 2-4 weeks after infection, potentially leading to false-negative results if testing is done too early 1.
From the Research
Turnaround Time for Lyme Antibody Test
- The typical turnaround time for a Lyme antibody test is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the methods and interpretation of serologic tests for Lyme disease, including the use of ELISA, Western blot, and immunoblotting 4, 5, 6.
- The sensitivity and specificity of these tests are also discussed, with some studies highlighting the potential for false negative results in early Lyme disease 5 and interlaboratory variability in test results 6.
- The time it takes to obtain results from these tests is not specified, but it is likely to vary depending on the laboratory and the specific test used.
- Some studies suggest that serologic tests may not be reliable for diagnosing Lyme disease in all cases, and that clinical evaluation and other diagnostic methods may also be necessary 3, 4.