When Lyme arthritis is suspected and the fluid in the joint is aspirated, the joint fluid may be tested for evidence of Lyme disease. However, when central nervous system Lyme disease is suspected, the spinal fluid should be tested as well. The most common testing for Lyme disease is conducted on the blood. Lyme disease is a global disease affecting 80 countries, so the initial evaluation needs to ask about travel history in these other countries, there will be differences in clinical manifestations and disease course because of the varying Borrelia genospecies in these other locations. Because people travel to Lyme endemic areas and because ticks are expanding their geographic range, cases of Lyme disease have been reported throughout the U.S. Certain parts of the United States, such as the eastern states from Maine extending down the Atlantic and upper mid-western states have the heaviest burden of Bb-infected ticks the Pacific coastal states have also seen a rise in Lyme disease. Certain risk factors will increase the risk of tick attachment these include hiking in the woods or walking through tall grasses or having a pet that might serve as a "tick drag" unwittingly bringing ticks into the house. When starting to evaluate a patient, it is important to obtain a full medical history, including exploring whether or not the person has ever lived or vacationed in a Lyme endemic area. only 70-90% sensitive in neurologic Lyme disease), the tests are very helpful in providing additional information to the clinician to help him/her to determine if Lyme disease is the correct diagnosis. While not everyone with Lyme disease will test positive on currently available tests (e.g. With the later disseminated manifestations of Lyme disease, blood tests have a more important role, because by then antibodies will have had time to form. Why? Because it can take two to three weeks before the antibodies develop. When faced with a patient with an expanding red rash from a Lyme-endemic region, physicians should draw the conclusion that this is most likely an erythema migrans Lyme rash and start antibiotic treatment immediately they should not wait to see the results of a blood test, as in early Lyme disease the test is negative 50-65% of the time. In early Lyme disease, one can make the diagnosis of Lyme disease with near 100% certainty when the expanding red rash is present. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.Diagnosis of Lyme disease is made through a clinical decision making process that includes a medical history, physical exam, review of past diagnostic tests and consultations, and results from newly ordered tests. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only.
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