Yes, Lyme disease can be detected by a blood test. The most common test used to diagnose Lyme disease is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. This test detects the presence of antibodies to the bacterium that causes Lyme disease in the blood.
If the ELISA test is positive, a Western blot test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The Western blot test looks for specific antibodies to the bacterium in the blood.
It is important to note that blood tests for Lyme disease may not be accurate in the early stages of the infection, as it takes time for the body to produce detectable levels of antibodies. Therefore, if you have symptoms of Lyme disease but your blood test is negative, your healthcare provider may recommend retesting in a few weeks or months. Additionally, a negative blood test does not necessarily rule out the possibility of Lyme disease, and a healthcare provider may diagnose the disease based on symptoms, medical history, and other factors.
