Lyme Disease Test

What happens during Lyme disease testing?

Lyme disease testing involves observing a sample of blood for any infections. In most cases, a cerebrospinal fluid test is also done.

The following processes are involved in Lyme disease blood test:

A healthcare provider will extract a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. A small amount of your blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle is inserted into your arm. This procedure occurs in five minutes.

The following processes are involved in a CSF test:

If your symptoms indicate that Lyme disease is affecting your nervous system, your doctor may recommend a cerebrospinal fluid test. Symptoms that indicate a need for a CSF test include numb feet or hands, and stiff neck. Your doctor may also recommend a CSF test if the observations from your blood sample show you have Lyme disease or if the results are ambiguous.

Your doctor will do a procedure, known as a lumbar puncture, to collect samples of your cerebrospinal fluid. This procedure:

You will lie on your side or sit on an exam table.
Your doctor will wash your back and inject an anesthetic into your skin. This will ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. In some cases, a numbing cream will be placed on your back before the injection is administered.
After your doctor is done numbing the area on your back, a thin needle will be inserted between the two vertebrae in the lower part of your spine. Several Vertebrae come together to form your spine.
Your doctor will then withdraw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for testing. This usually takes five minutes.
It is important to stay in one position while the fluid is taken from your body.

Conclusion

Lyme disease test is a test done to check your blood for any signs of Lyme disease. It involves taking a sample of blood from your arm and taking the sample to a lab for proper observation. You don’t need to go through any pre-test preparation before the test.

References

[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes

[2] https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/fevers-causes-symptoms-treatments

[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002

[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/headache/basics/causes/sym-20050800

[5] https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/

[6] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/

[7] https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/heart-disease-abnormal-heart-rhythm

Crystal L. January 12, 2023

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