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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Lyme Disease Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG IgM Immunoblot Test

Detects antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease. This test helps diagnose Lyme disease, especially after potential tick exposure or symptoms like fever, fatigue, and joint pain.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Blood sample (serum).
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required. However, confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 44,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Lyme Disease Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG IgM Immunoblot Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease (e.g., fever, fatigue, joint pain, rash).
  • ✓History of tick bite.
  • ✓Exposure to tick habitats.
  • ✓Follow-up testing after a positive screening test.
  • ✓Evaluation of potential neurological or cardiac complications related to Lyme disease.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to confirm or rule out Lyme disease by detecting antibodies against the causative bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. It is often used following a positive or equivocal screening test.
The Lyme Disease Borrelia Burgdorferi IgG IgM Immunoblot Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify Lyme disease, an infection transmitted by ticks and caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Early detection is important for effective treatment. This test is recommended for individuals who may have been exposed to ticks or are experiencing symptoms consistent with Lyme disease.

This test measures specific antibodies (IgG and IgM) in your blood that your body produces in response to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. The presence and type of antibodies can help determine if you have been exposed to the bacteria and whether the infection is recent or past.

If you have symptoms such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, headache, or a characteristic rash (erythema migrans), or if you have a history of tick bites, especially in areas where Lyme disease is common, this test may be recommended by your doctor.

An accurate diagnosis is crucial for receiving the right treatment and preventing potential long-term complications of Lyme disease. This test provides valuable information to guide your healthcare provider in managing your condition.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo special preparation is required. However, confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleBlood sample (serum).
MethodologyImmunoblot assay (Western blot) to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi antigens.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Antibody levels may take time to develop after infection. A negative result early in the infection may not rule out Lyme disease. Results must be interpreted alongside clinical findings. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash.
This test helps confirm a diagnosis of Lyme disease by detecting antibodies your body makes in response to the infection. It is often used after initial screening tests.
Turnaround time varies. Please confirm the current estimated turnaround time with the laboratory before booking your test.
A positive result indicates exposure to the bacteria. A negative result may mean no infection, or the infection is too early for antibodies to be detected. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms and history.
Generally, fasting is not required for this blood test, but it is always best to confirm specific requirements with the laboratory beforehand.
We have collection centers in major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. We also offer home sample collection services. Please check our website or call for locations and details.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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