Lyme disease – a screening package

Lyme disease – a screening package

We offer you a package of tests and examinations that should performed as first choice in the diagnostics of Lyme disease.

The package includes the following tests:

• Anti-Borrelia antibodies – IgG
• Anti-Borrelia antibodies – IgM
• Complete blood count – microscopic smear – serves for preliminary assessment of any potential inflammation or haematological disorders which may lead to the patient’s illnesses – more towards initial exclusion of Lyme disease as the potential reason for the patient’s condition.

When is it worth using the package?

• Purchasing the package of tests, you save 20% in relation to the standard price.
• The test can be performed without a prescription in one of our centres, thereby avoiding the costs and time you would otherwise have to spend on a medical appointment to be qualified for the tests.
• The tests are performed during a single visit at the centre, practically every day (apart from Sundays) in the working hours of the Collection Points. The results are available within 3 working days and can be collected online (if you have access to Damian Online – if no, ask for such access at the reception desk).
• The package guarantees a 10% one-off discount for a consultation appointment with an infectious disease specialist – the service available in Damian Medical Centres.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a contagious, tick-borne disease caused by a bacterium species called Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is often mistaken for other health problems and produces many different symptoms, hence the importance of diagnostics. One of the first symptoms of the disease is the so called erythema migrans, i.e. reddening of the skin measuring from a few to several centimetres in diameter, which may be slightly raised, warm and painful to touch. A typical erythema after a tick-bite is lighter from the centre. However, it should be borne in mind that erythema occurs in approx. 70-80% of Lyme disease cases.

Lyme disease is a multi-organ condition that, besides the skin, also attacks the joints, the nervous system and the heart. In the early phase of the infection (within approx. 2 weeks of the tick-bite), other symptoms may appear, including fever, headaches, muscle pains and weakness. However, those symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions and therefore the disease is often diagnosed months or even years after infection. After some time, chronic Lyme disease may attack muscles, joints, eyes and the nervous system. This may result in pain and joint stiffness, as well as muscular convulsive spasms (tics). The patient may experience double vision, facial muscle palsy, dizziness, speech and spatial orientation problems, sleeping disorders and mood swings. Lyme disease is controlled by antibiotics, but the duration of therapy depends on the time interval between the infection and the diagnosis, as well as on the stage of the disease.

Unfortunately, in the case of Lyme disease, there is still no vaccination that would help to protect against this dangerous disease. Therefore, the basic prevention measure is to protect the body against ticks while being in hazardous places, use repellents and remove any ticks early enough using mechanical methods. An important role is also played by prevention and tests for infection.

Check out what a doctor says about Lyme disease diagnosis: 

The foraging period for ticks usually begins in late March/early April and lasts until November. It should be noted that ticks are active during the period when the soil temperature exceeds +5/+7 degrees Celsius. Given the climatic conditions in Poland, it can be expected that ticks begin to be active earlier. This is confirmed by the number of patients reporting after being bitten by ticks during the winter. The bite site is observed for 6 weeks after the event. If migratory erythema does not appear during this time, serological testing for Lyme disease is recommended: IgG and IgM ELISA. 

- lek. Aleksandra Sosnowska-Dudek, specialist in infectious diseases and travel medicine

• The tests are performed from venous blood.
• The tests do not require any particular preparation.
• Due to the blood count, patients are required to arrive in the morning on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours after their last meal).
• It is necessary to avoid excess physical effort and stress before blood collection.