Patris Health® Lyme Disease Home Test – Detect a recent Lyme disease infection after a tick bite
The Patris Health® Lyme Disease Home Test is a professional in vitro diagnostic (IVD) self-test designed to detect anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies in a small fingertip blood sample.
Following a tick bite, the immune system begins producing IgM antibodies as one of its first responses to infection with Borrelia bacteria, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis). This home test detects these antibodies and helps identify a recent immune response, allowing you to decide whether medical evaluation is appropriate.
Only a single drop of capillary blood is required. The test can be performed comfortably at home without laboratory equipment. Results are available in 10 minutes, while the complete testing procedure takes approximately 15 minutes.
The Patris Health® Lyme Disease Home Test is intended for home self-testing by lay users and uses qualitative immunochromatographic technology that has been used in professional diagnostic settings for many years.
Advantages at a glance
- Detects anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies
- Suitable for home self-testing
- Only a small fingertip blood sample required
- Results in just 10 minutes
- Easy step-by-step testing procedure
- No laboratory appointment required
- CE-marked in vitro diagnostic medical device
- Professional immunochromatographic technology
- Manufactured according to European quality standards
Should you take a Lyme Disease Test?
Many people wonder whether a tick bite automatically means they should be tested for Lyme disease.
The answer depends largely on when the tick bite occurred and whether symptoms have developed.
The Patris Health® Lyme Disease Home Test is designed to detect anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies, which usually become detectable 2–6 weeks after infection. Because the test detects your body’s immune response rather than the bacteria themselves, testing immediately after a tick bite is generally not recommended.
You may consider using this test if:
- you were bitten by a tick several weeks ago,
- you noticed a characteristic expanding circular rash,
- you developed flu-like symptoms after possible tick exposure,
- you spend time hiking, camping or working outdoors,
- you would like an initial screening test before consulting your healthcare professional.
This product is intended as a screening test and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.
Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease does not always cause immediate symptoms.
Some people develop symptoms within days, while others may notice them several weeks after infection.
Possible early symptoms include:
- Expanding circular skin rash (erythema migrans)
- Redness around the tick bite
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
Not everyone develops the classic “bull’s-eye” rash. Some people experience only flu-like symptoms, while others may have no noticeable symptoms during the early stage of infection.
The characteristic Bull’s-Eye rash
One of the best-known signs of Lyme disease is erythema migrans, an expanding red rash that may appear around the site of the tick bite.
The rash often:
- appears 3–30 days after the bite,
- gradually expands,
- may develop a lighter centre,
- is usually not painful,
- is often not itchy.
Although this rash strongly suggests Lyme disease, its absence does not exclude infection.
Why early detection matters
If Lyme disease is not recognised and treated appropriately, the infection may spread to other parts of the body.
Possible later complications include involvement of:
- joints,
- nervous system,
- skin,
- heart.
Early recognition allows healthcare professionals to evaluate the condition and determine whether treatment is necessary.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia bacteria.
These bacteria are transmitted primarily through the bite of infected ticks commonly found in:
- forests,
- woodland,
- long grass,
- parks,
- gardens,
- hiking areas.
After entering the body, the bacteria stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies.
The first antibodies produced are IgM antibodies, which generally become detectable 2–6 weeks after infection. The Patris Health® Lyme Disease Home Test detects these antibodies in a capillary blood sample.
When should the test be performed?
Timing is essential.
For the most reliable result, the manufacturer recommends testing:
- 2–6 weeks after a suspected tick bite, or
- when a circular skin rash develops following possible tick exposure.
Testing earlier than two weeks may produce a false-negative result because antibody levels may still be below the detection limit.
If your result is negative but symptoms persist, repeat testing 2–6 weeks later or consult your healthcare professional.
How does the test work?
The test uses qualitative immunochromatographic technology.
If anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies are present in the blood sample, they bind to Borrelia antigens incorporated into the test strip.
This reaction produces a visible Test (T) line.
A separate Control (C) line confirms that the test has functioned correctly.
The appearance of both lines indicates a positive screening result.
Quick Facts
Intended use: Detection of anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies
Sample type: Capillary whole blood
Test type: Qualitative immunochromatographic assay
Result time: 10 minutes
Total testing time: Approximately 15 minutes
Use: Home self-testing, Single use
Storage: +4°C to +30°C
Origin: Manufactured in France
Kit Contents
Each kit contains:
- 1 × Lyme Disease Test Device
- 1 × Diluent bottle
- 2 × Sterile safety lancets
- 2 × Plastic capillary pipettes
- 1 × Alcohol swab
- 1 × Instructions for Use
Only one lancet and one pipette are required. The second set is included as spare components.
A timer or stopwatch is required but not included.
How to perform the test
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Disinfect your fingertip.
- Use the sterile lancet to obtain a blood drop.
- Collect the blood with the supplied pipette.
- Add the blood to the sample well.
- Wait 30–40 seconds.
- Add exactly 4 drops of diluent.
- Read the result after 10 minutes.
Do not interpret the result after 15 minutes.
Understanding your results
Positive: Both the Control (C) and Test (T) lines appear. This indicates that anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies have been detected, suggesting a recent immune response to Borrelia bacteria.
Consult your healthcare professional promptly for further evaluation.
Negative: Only the Control (C) line appears. No detectable anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies were found.
If testing was performed very soon after a tick bite or symptoms persist, repeat testing after 2–6 weeks or consult your healthcare professional.
Invalid: If the Control (C) line does not appear, the result is invalid. Repeat the test using a new test kit.
Accuracy
The Patris Health® Lyme Disease Home Test has been used in professional settings, including hospitals and laboratories, for more than ten years.
Evaluation studies demonstrated an overall agreement of 89.19% (95% Confidence Interval: 81.14–94.46%) compared with reference methods. Despite its reliability, false-positive and false-negative results remain possible and should always be interpreted together with symptoms and clinical findings.
Limitations
False-negative results may occur:
- if testing is performed too early,
- before antibodies have developed,
- after preventive antibiotic treatment.
False-positive results may occur in some individuals with:
- Epstein–Barr virus (EBV),
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV),
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV),
- Syphilis,
- Leptospirosis,
- Mononucleosis,
- Certain autoimmune diseases.
Technical specifications
- Product type: In vitro diagnostic medical device (IVD)
- Method: Qualitative immunochromatographic assay
- Analyte: Anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies
- Sample: Capillary whole blood
- Reading time: 10 minutes
- Storage temperature: +4°C to +30°C
- Single use: Yes
- Intended user: Home self-testing by lay users
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test immediately after a tick bite?
No. The body usually requires 2–6 weeks to produce detectable anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies. Testing earlier may produce a false-negative result.
Does a positive result mean I definitely have Lyme disease?
No. This is a screening test. A positive result indicates detectable anti-Borrelia IgM antibodies and should always be confirmed and interpreted by a healthcare professional.
Can a negative result exclude Lyme disease?
Not completely. Early infections may not yet have produced detectable antibodies. If symptoms continue, repeat the test after 2–6 weeks or seek medical advice.
Does a faint Test (T) line count as positive?
Yes. The intensity of the Test line does not affect interpretation. Any visible Test (T) line together with the Control (C) line should be interpreted as a positive screening result.
Medical Disclaimer
The Patris Health® Lyme Disease Home Test is intended as an initial screening tool for home use. It does not replace professional medical diagnosis, laboratory testing or clinical evaluation. Test results should always be interpreted together with symptoms, exposure history and medical advice. If you receive a positive result or continue to experience symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease, consult a healthcare professional promptly for further evaluation and appropriate management.