Co-Infection Testing for Lyme | Best Lab for Advanced Bartonella & Tick-Borne Disease Services

Introduction: Why Co-Infection Testing for Lyme Matters

Lyme disease is already one of the most challenging infections to diagnose and manage, but ticks often transmit more than one pathogen. Alongside Borrelia burgdorferi—the bacterium responsible for Lyme—ticks may carry Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, or Anaplasma. These co-infections can complicate symptoms, delay recovery, and make standard testing unreliable. That’s why co-infection testing for Lyme is critical. Patients searching for the best lab for Lyme disease need a facility that goes beyond basic antibody screening and provides advanced Bartonella & co-infection testing as part of comprehensive tick-borne disease testing services. At TLab Diagnostics, a CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory, we specialize in cutting-edge diagnostics. You can learn more about our approach in our detailed guide on the best lab for Lyme disease.

The Challenge of Tick-Borne Co-Infections

Why Co-Infections Are Overlooked

Ticks can transmit multiple pathogens in a single bite, but most routine Lyme testing focuses only on Borrelia burgdorferi. As a result, patients with lingering symptoms are often told their tests are negative or inconclusive. Without comprehensive tick-borne disease testing services, co-infections can remain hidden.

Common Tick-Borne Co-Infections

• Bartonella – Linked to vascular inflammation, neurological symptoms, and fatigue. See our full breakdown in Advanced Bartonella & Co-Infection Testing.
• Babesia – Infects red blood cells, causing night sweats, anemia, and fatigue. Learn more at How to Find the Best Babesia Testing Lab Near You.
• Ehrlichia & Anaplasma – Disrupt white blood cell function and weaken immunity.
• Rickettsia – Causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other systemic illnesses. Each of these requires specialized testing, which is why advanced laboratories like TLab offer comprehensive co-infection testing for Lyme panels.

Symptoms That Suggest Co-Infection

Many patients arrive at a Lyme testing center with years of unexplained health issues. Co-infections can mimic autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, or psychiatric conditions.

Red Flags for Possible Co-Infections

• Persistent fatigue not explained by sleep or lifestyle
• Night sweats or unexplained fevers
• Shortness of breath or anemia (Babesia)
• Neuropathy, brain fog, mood changes (Bartonella)
• Muscle or joint pain resistant to treatment
• Chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction If you have these symptoms, our blood testing for tick-borne illness explains why advanced diagnostics are essential.

Why Advanced Molecular Testing for Lyme Is Essential

Standard antibody tests (ELISA, Western blot) can miss early-stage infections or co-infections because antibodies may take weeks or months to develop, co-infections may not trigger a strong immune response, and chronic infections can suppress immunity, causing false negatives. Advanced molecular testing for Lyme detects bacterial or parasitic DNA, improving diagnostic accuracy for Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, and others.

Advanced Bartonella & Co-Infection Testing at TLab Diagnostics

As the best lab for Lyme disease, TLab Diagnostics uses multiple technologies for precise diagnostics:

1. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Detects bacterial DNA with high specificity for Borrelia, Babesia, and Ehrlichia.

2. FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization)

Uses fluorescent probes to visualize pathogens. Especially effective for Bartonella detection.

3. Advanced Blood Imaging

Visualizes blood cell abnormalities and parasites like Babesia in real time.

4. Co-Infection Panels

Bundled panels cover Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and more, ensuring nothing is overlooked. For more on Babesia, see How to Find the Best Babesia Testing Lab Near You.

Accreditation: Why CAP and CLIA Matter

Choosing the best lab for Lyme disease is not just about technology. TLab Diagnostics is CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified, meaning rigorous quality control for every test, reliable, reproducible results, compliance with top clinical standards, and confidence for both patients and healthcare providers. Internal Resources for Further Reading

• Best Lab for Lyme Disease – Learn why lab quality affects results.
• Blood Testing for Tick-Borne Illness – Discover the importance of advanced testing.
• How to Find the Best Babesia Testing Lab Near You – Guidance for co-infection testing.

What to Expect When You Visit Our Lab

Patients undergoing co-infection testing for Lyme at TLab Diagnostics experience a seamless process:

1. Physician consultation – Review symptoms and testing needs.
2. Sample collection – Blood or tissue depending on suspected infection.
3. Laboratory analysis – PCR, FISH, imaging, and co-infection panels.
4. Detailed reporting – Results delivered to your physician with actionable guidance.

Who Should Seek Co-Infection Testing?

Testing is recommended if you have chronic symptoms despite negative Lyme tests, experienced a tick bite with persistent illness, suffer from unexplained inflammation or neurological issues, live in tick-endemic areas, or have previously tested positive for Lyme but haven’t improved.

The Future of Tick-Borne Disease Testing

At TLab Diagnostics, research focuses on improving PCR and FISH sensitivity, identifying new biomarkers of inflammation, and expanding tick-borne disease testing services to emerging pathogens. Our goal is to stay at the forefront of advanced molecular testing for Lyme and co-infections.

FAQ: Co-Infection Testing for Lyme

Q1: Why is co-infection testing important if I already tested positive for Lyme?

Co-infections like Bartonella or Babesia can worsen symptoms and delay recovery. Testing ensures treatment addresses all pathogens.

Q2: How accurate are PCR and FISH testing methods?

PCR detects pathogen DNA, while FISH visualizes bacteria. Together, they improve accuracy compared to antibody-only testing.

Q3: Can co-infections cause symptoms without Lyme disease?

Yes. Some patients test negative for Lyme but positive for Bartonella or Babesia. Broad tick-borne disease testing services are essential.

Q4: How do I know if TLab is the best lab for Lyme disease?

CAP-accreditation, CLIA-certification, and use of advanced Bartonella & co-infection testing ensure accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Health

If you’ve been searching for co-infection testing for Lyme or wondering which is the best lab for Lyme disease, TLab Diagnostics offers advanced, accredited testing. Our advanced molecular testing for Lyme, including PCR, FISH, and co-infection panels, provides comprehensive insights into your health. Don’t let hidden infections control your life. Take the first step toward recovery with advanced Bartonella & co-infection testing from TLab Diagnostics. Contact +1 240-696-2788 or visit TLab Diagnostics today to schedule your testing.