How long does a tick test for borreliosis take? - briefly
Laboratory analysis of a tick for Borrelia infection typically provides results within 7–14 days after the sample is received. Rapid PCR assays can shorten this window to 24–48 hours, but standard serological testing follows the longer timeframe.
How long does a tick test for borreliosis take? - in detail
Testing a tick for the presence of the bacterium that causes Lyme disease typically requires 5 – 14 days from receipt of the specimen to delivery of the final report. The timeline consists of several distinct phases:
- Specimen receipt and accessioning – 1 day. The laboratory logs the tick, assigns an ID, and prepares it for analysis.
- Initial screening (ELISA or PCR) – 2 – 4 days. An enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay detects antibodies, while polymerase chain reaction amplifies bacterial DNA. Both methods can be completed within this window, depending on the laboratory’s workload.
- Confirmatory testing (Western blot or repeat PCR) – 2 – 5 days. Positive screening results trigger a second, more specific assay to verify the presence of Borrelia spirochetes.
- Result validation and reporting – 1 day. A qualified microbiologist reviews the data, enters the outcome into the laboratory information system, and sends the report to the requesting clinician or public‑health agency.
Factors that may extend the turnaround time include:
- Shipping delays when the tick is mailed from a remote collection site.
- High sample volume during peak tick‑season months.
- Requirement for additional testing (e.g., sequencing) when initial results are ambiguous.
- Use of reference laboratories that operate on a weekly batch schedule.
In routine practice, most clients receive a definitive result within two weeks. When expedited processing is requested, some laboratories can deliver preliminary findings in 3 – 5 days, but confirmatory results still follow the standard schedule.