Lyme Disease Test for Tick Bite Screening
The TIK’ALERT® Lyme Disease Test is a rapid home screening test designed to help detect IgM antibodies against Borrelia bacteria after a tick bite.
Ticks often live in forests, grasslands, and areas with dense vegetation. When an infected tick bites a human, it can transmit Borrelia bacteria into the body.
As a result, the immune system begins producing antibodies to fight the infection. This Lyme disease test checks for those antibodies using a small finger-prick blood sample.
Therefore, the test may help indicate whether exposure to Borrelia bacteria has occurred.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by Borrelia bacteria. These bacteria can affect different systems in the body.
For example, several Borrelia species are linked to human infection:
• Borrelia afzelii
• Borrelia garinii
• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Borrelia spielmanii
• Borrelia bavariensis
After a tick bite, symptoms may appear within a few days. However, in some cases symptoms develop several weeks later.
Early symptoms may include:
• Redness or rash around the bite area
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headaches
If the infection is not treated, it may affect the nervous system, joints, or skin.
How the Lyme Disease Test Works
The TIK’ALERT® home Lyme disease test detects IgM antibodies in a finger-prick blood sample.
IgM antibodies usually appear between two and six weeks after infection. Therefore, testing too soon after a tick bite may not show antibodies yet.
To perform the test:
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First wash your hands with warm water and soap.
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Then clean the fingertip with the alcohol pad.
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Next use the sterile lancet to obtain a small drop of blood.
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Collect the blood using the pipette.
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Place the sample into the test device sample well.
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Finally add the diluent drops as instructed.
Results appear within 10 minutes.
Do not interpret the result after 15 minutes.
Antibody Detection Timeline
The immune system does not produce antibodies immediately. Instead, they develop over time.
Detection rates may vary depending on the stage of infection:
• Phase I (2–4 weeks) – antibodies detectable in about 40–60% of cases
• Phase II (4–6 weeks) – antibodies detectable in about 70–90% of cases
• Phase III – antibodies usually present and detectable
However, this test cannot determine the stage of infection.
What the Test Kit Contains
The TIK’ALERT® Lyme Disease Test kit includes everything needed for testing:
• Test device (sealed pouch)
• Plastic pipette
• Sterile lancet
• Diluent dropper vial
• Alcohol pad
• Instruction leaflet
A timer is required but not included.
Storage and Safety
Store the test between 4°C and 30°C.
Do not freeze the test.
Do not reuse the device.
For in vitro diagnostic use only.
Keep out of reach of children.
Important Disclaimer
This Lyme disease test is intended for screening purposes only. Therefore, it does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you receive a positive result or experience symptoms after a tick bite, consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation and further testing.
