Why do I need a Lyme disease test?
You may need a Lyme disease test if you have symptoms of infection. The first symptoms of Lyme disease usually show up between three and 30 days after the tick bite. They may include:
A distinctive skin rash that looks like a bull's-eye (a red ring with a clear center)
Fever
Chills
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle aches
You may also need a Lyme disease test if you don't have symptoms, but are at risk for infection. You may be at a higher risk if you:
Recently removed a tick from your body
Walked in a heavily wooded area, where ticks live, without covering exposed skin or wearing repellent 
Have done either of the above activities and live in or have recently visited the northeast or midwestern areas of the United States, where most Lyme disease cases occur
Lyme disease is most treatable in its early stages, but you may still benefit from testing later on. Symptoms that may show up weeks or months after the tick bite. They may include:
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Severe joint pain and swelling
Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
Memory and sleep disorders
