We offer laboratory testing to support the diagnosis of tick-borne infections, including Lyme disease, using established and advanced diagnostic methods. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks and is one of several tick-borne illnesses that may affect humans.
Because symptoms of tick-borne infections can vary widely and are often non-specific, they may overlap with those of other illnesses. Without appropriate diagnostic testing, tick-borne infections can therefore be misinterpreted and treated as a different condition, potentially delaying effective treatment. Accurate diagnosis is essential to guide further medical decisions and determine the most appropriate next steps.
Our testing is primarily based on blood samples and includes standard serological methods such as ELISA and Western Blot, which detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection. We also offer the LTT (Lymphocyte Transformation Test) to assess cellular immune response, as well as PCR testing, which allows for the direct detection of pathogen genetic material.
The choice of diagnostic methods depends on clinical symptoms, medical history, and the time since possible tick exposure.
Tick-borne disease testing may be considered in individuals:
The decision to perform diagnostic testing and the selection of the appropriate test method are made by a doctor based on the patient’s medical history, clinical symptoms, and current diagnostic guidelines.
Multilingual care
Our staff speaks English, Polish and German.
The test results are reviewed by a doctor, taking into account your overall health, medical history, and any other relevant clinical information.
During a medical consultation, the results are explained and discussed to ensure they are properly understood and interpreted within the appropriate clinical context.
Testing after a tick bite may be considered, but very early testing may produce negative results because antibodies take time to develop. Your doctor will advise on the optimal timing — typically several weeks after exposure — or recommend observation and follow-up testing if symptoms appear.
Not everyone that is bitten by a tick develops the characteristic rash, and its absence does not rule out infection. If you have symptoms that could suggest Lyme disease or a history of possible tick exposure, testing may still be appropriate.
Lyme disease tests can still detect evidence of past infection many years after a tick bite, because antibodies may remain in the bloodstream for a long time.
However, a positive result years later may reflect previous exposure, not necessarily an active infection. For this reason, test results are always interpreted by a doctor in relation to current symptoms, medical history, and any prior treatment.
ELISA and Western Blot are blood tests used in the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. They are based on detecting antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection.
ELISA is usually the first test performed. It is a sensitive screening test that looks for antibodies indicating exposure to tick-borne pathogens, including those associated with Lyme disease. Because it is designed to detect even low antibody levels, a positive or borderline result often requires confirmation.
Western Blot is used as a confirmatory test. It detects antibodies directed against specific proteins of the pathogen, which helps improve the specificity of the result and reduce the likelihood of false-positive findings.
PCR testing is a molecular method that detects genetic material of microorganisms. It is widely used in medical diagnostics for various infections, including tick-borne diseases. In the context of suspected Lyme disease or co-infections, PCR may be helpful in certain clinical situations, particularly when symptoms are recent or when specific tissues are being evaluated. The choice of PCR testing depends on the clinical presentation and is determined by the doctor.
Lymphocyte Transformation Testing (LTT) is an immune function test that assesses how a patient’s immune cells respond to specific antigens. In the context of tick-borne diseases, it is sometimes used as an additional tool to evaluate immune activation related to prior exposure. LTT does not detect the bacteria itself, but rather provides information about the immune system’s response, and is therefore interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, and other test results.
Both tests are used selectively and always as part of a broader, doctor-guided diagnostic approach.
Depending on the tests performed, results are usually available within approximately 2 to 14 days.
Of course! We will be happy to assist with arranging both accommodation and transportation. We work with trusted hotels located near our clinic and can also organize airport transfers from Munich. Please contact our team — we will be glad to present the available options and help you choose the solution best suited to your needs.