I have learned a bit about the tests lately after a bit of a scare.

The first, cheapest test is called the ELISA test. It can be somewhat unreliable and can miss the disease.

The second test is called the Western Blot test and is more conclusive.

If, by chance you have had the Lymerix vaccine, youmay still contract the disease. The ELISA test will always be positive after the vacccine. The Western Blot test must be conducted differently for those who have had the vaccine or a false positivecan result. Many doctors arent that well versed on this either as I found out.

If you have symptoms and the first test is negative, insist on the second test. Also, the bullseye rash that everyone knows is easily spotted is only present in about 60% of cases..

The third,and most invasive test is the one where they actually draw fluid from an arhritic joint to look for thespirochete germ because it is said to hide in jointsmaking it fairly resistant to antibiotics.

If it's allowed to go long enough, some symptoms can last years even after the infection hasbeen cured.