Tick-Borne Disease Panel
A comprehensive blood test that screens for antibodies to the four most common tick-borne diseases in the United States: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This panel screens for antibodies to four tick-transmitted infections that are among the most commonly reported in the United States: Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chaffeensis), and babesiosis (Babesia microti). Ticks are the primary carriers of infectious disease in North America, and the same tick species can harbor multiple pathogens simultaneously, which means a single bite can transmit more than one infection at once.
These diseases are most prevalent in the Northeastern and upper Midwestern states and parts of the Pacific Northwest, though geographic range continues to expand. When a tick transmits any of these pathogens, the immune system responds by producing specific antibodies that can be detected in the blood even after symptoms have resolved. This panel tests for all four infections simultaneously, which is particularly important because coinfection is not uncommon, symptoms overlap substantially between the four diseases, and treatment approaches can differ depending on which pathogen is involved.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals who spend significant time in wooded or grassy areas where ticks are prevalent, particularly in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States, should consider this panel for screening purposes.
- People who have experienced a known tick bite and developed symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, or unusual rashes within weeks to months following the exposure may benefit from comprehensive testing.
- Those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities like hiking, camping, hunting, or gardening in tick-endemic regions and want to establish baseline antibody levels or screen for asymptomatic infections.
- Individuals with unexplained symptoms that could be consistent with tick-borne disease, including flu-like illness, joint pain, or neurological symptoms, particularly during tick season (spring through fall).
- People living in or traveling to areas with high rates of tick-borne disease who want comprehensive screening, especially if they have discovered attached ticks or have pets that may bring ticks into the home environment.
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. No fasting is necessary, and individuals can take their regular medications as prescribed unless specifically instructed otherwise by their healthcare provider.
Sample Type
A simple blood draw from a vein in the arm, similar to routine blood work. The collection process typically takes just a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
Collection
During the visit to the lab location, a trained phlebotomist will clean the arm, insert a small needle to collect the blood sample in specialized tubes, and apply a bandage. The entire process usually takes less than 15 minutes.
Turnaround
Test results are typically available within 2-4 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory, with results delivered electronically through a secure patient portal.
Understanding your results
Results are reported as antibody titers for each of the four pathogens. A titer at or above the established threshold (typically 1:64 or higher for indirect fluorescent antibody testing) suggests current or previous infection. Higher titers generally correlate with a greater likelihood of active infection; documented infections typically produce titers in the range of 1:320 to 1:2560, though these values can vary. A positive titer does not always confirm active disease, since antibodies can persist after resolved infections. Healthcare providers interpret results alongside symptom presentation, tick exposure history, geographic risk, and timing of symptom onset to determine whether active treatment is indicated.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Ehrlichia chaffeensis IgG: <1:64 | Negative result indicates no antibodies detected |
| Adults | Anaplasma phagocytophilum IgG: <1:64 | Negative result indicates no antibodies detected |
| Adults | Babesia microti IgG: <1:64 | Negative result indicates no antibodies detected |
| Adults | Lyme Disease Serology: Negative | Initial screening with reflex to confirmatory testing if positive or equivocal |
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your overall health.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Negative or low antibody levels typically suggest no evidence of past or current infection with the tested tick-borne pathogens. However, negative results do not completely rule out infection, particularly in cases of very recent exposure when antibodies may not yet have developed to detectable levels. Testing should only be performed on patients with clinical symptoms of tickborne disease or when exposure is suspected. In general, IgM tests should be disregarded if the patient's symptoms have lasted more than 30 days. If the patient has been sick longer than 30 days, only IgG results should be interpreted. Additionally, individuals who have been infected but successfully treated may show declining antibody levels over time, though some antibodies may persist for extended periods even after cure.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated antibody levels (positive titers) may indicate current or previous exposure to specific tick-borne pathogens. False-negative results may occur in recently infected patients (< or =2 weeks) due to low or undetectable antibody levels. If recent exposure is suspected, a second sample should be collected and tested in 2 to 4 weeks. For Lyme disease, positive screening results trigger confirmatory immunoblot testing. Lyme serology should not be used for treatment monitoring as IgG can remain for years post resolution of infection. Instead, monitoring resolution of symptoms in response to treatment is recommended. It is important to note that positive results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms and potential exposure history. During the acute phase of an Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Babesia infection, serologic tests are often nonreactive, meaning that early infections might not be detected through antibody testing alone.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test results are completely confidential and protected under HIPAA regulations. Results are not shared with insurance companies, employers, or added to personal medical records without explicit consent. No insurance billing or claims are involved in the testing process.
Frequently asked questions
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Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 86618, 86666, 86666, 86753
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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