At-home initial screen (new tick bite, no access to a clinic)

At-Home Lyme Antibody Test – broad Borrelia antibody screen for early immune response.

Best for: Early and evolving infections

Lyme ImmunoBlot IgM & IgG – more sensitive than standard Western Blot for early Lyme.

PCR Panel – detects Borrelia burgdorferi, B. miyamotoi, Babesia microti, Bartonella henselae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA.

Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever ImmunoBlot – helpful if traditional Lyme tests are negative but symptoms persist.

Babesia FISH – detects active parasitemia (useful early).

Bartonella or Rickettsia soon after exposure

Bartonella ePCR™ – multi-draw PCR that can pick up bacteremia in the early phase.

Rickettsia PCR Panel – if patient presents with acute fever and rash.

Broad antibody and peptide-based screen

Lyme Disease Panel (Borrelia species–specific peptides)

Co-Infection Panel (Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, etc.)

Tickborne 2.0 or Total Tickborne Panel (covers multiple vector pathogens)

Early-stage microscopic confirmation

Borrelia PCR + Microscopy Combo – detects spirochetes directly from blood or tissue.

Co-Infection PCR Panel – screens Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia.

(often insurance-covered, first-line for new infections):

At-Home Lyme & Co-Infection Antibody Test: Tracks immune reactivity in ongoing or relapsing Borrelia and co-infections—useful for follow-up or remote screening.

Lyme ImmunoBlot IgG & IgM: Detects multiple Borrelia species, even in late-stage infection.

Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever ImmunoBlot: Identifies relapsing fever Borrelia species.

Babesia FISH + IgG/IgM Panel: Detects active or chronic parasitic infection.

Bartonella ImmunoBlot or PCR Panel: For persistent vascular, neurological, or joint symptoms.

Bartonella ePCR™ + eSerology Panel: Gold standard for chronic Bartonella infection with immune evasion.

TripleDraw Collection: Enhances sensitivity for intermittent bacteremia.

Vibrant Wellness (Tickborne 2.0 or Total Tickborne Panel)

Peptide-Based Multiplex Antibody Assays: Detect chronic immune responses across Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia species.

Coinfection & Neuroinflammatory Markers: Support diagnosis of multisystem involvement.

Comprehensive Vector-Borne PCR Panel: Detects low-level DNA of Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia.

Live Cell Microscopy: Visualizes chronic or intracellular infection forms not captured by serology.

When neurological or systemic symptoms of chronic or late infection are present, lumbar puncture (CSF analysis) or joint fluid PCR may be performed to look for Borrelia DNA or intrathecal antibodies. Skin biopsy or PCR may be used in rare dermatologic cases.

Supporting labs such as ESR, CRP, ANA, and imaging (MRI or SPECT) help assess inflammation or tissue effects. However, these tests can be insensitive in chronic infection, as antibodies may wane and bacteria can hide in tissues—so clinical judgment remains essential.

The Panel measures autoimmune antibodies against brain targets like Dopamine D1/D2 receptors, Lysoganglioside, and Tubulin, linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as tics, OCD-like behaviors, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Elevated levels suggest symptoms may stem from infection-triggered autoimmune processes, aiding treatment decisions. Up to 60% of patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders worldwide are treatment-resistant, possibly due to undiagnosed infection-driven immune dysfunction from diseases like Lyme & Coinfection.

FRAT® (Folate Receptor Antibody Test) detects Folate Receptor Autoantibodies (FRAs) in blood. In a study of 47 PANS/PANDAS patients, 63.8% tested positive. Infection-induced PANS is a neuropsychiatric condition linked to vector illness. FRAT® uniquely detects both blocking and binding FRAs, as noted in the New England Journal of Medicine. FRA presence disrupts folate (vitamin B9) transport to the brain and CSF, affecting growth and neurological function.

Mitochondrial testing may be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic health concerns affecting three or more body systems: This could include combinations of symptoms such as muscle weakness, digestive issues, and neurological/behavioral problems.

Chronic infections and mitochondrial dysfunction are closely linked in a two-way relationship, contributing to conditions like encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID. Pathogens like Vector Illness can directly damage mitochondria and manipulate cell metabolism for their benefit.

Neuroimaging (MRI, SPECT): Assesses brain and nerve changes caused by infection.

EEG or nerve studies: Evaluate brain and nerve function.

Comorbidity & Systemic Testing:

HPA axis / adrenal function: Cortisol, ACTH, and related hormone panels to check stress-response system.

Cardiac evaluation: ECG, echocardiogram, or troponin tests if heart involvement is suspected.

Inflammatory markers: ESR, CRP, cytokine panels to assess systemic inflammation.

Autoimmune panels: ANA, ENA, anti-neuronal antibodies to rule out overlapping autoimmune conditions.

Why this matters: Lyme can affect multiple systems, and chronic or late-stage infection may trigger or worsen inflammation, autoimmune reactions, hormonal imbalance, or heart issues. Comprehensive testing helps doctors tailor treatment to your whole-body health, not just the infection.