A new at-home testing kit, LymeAlert, can now detect the presence of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, in ticks. This development aims to provide individuals with faster results compared to traditional lab testing.
The LymeAlert kit allows users to test a tick themselves within minutes. The process involves placing the tick in a container, adding a provided solution, crushing the tick, and then inserting a test strip. According to the company, the strip will indicate within 30 minutes whether Lyme-causing bacteria were detected.
Previously, testing for Lyme-causing bacteria in ticks required sending the specimen to a laboratory, a process that often involved a waiting period of several days for results. The introduction of LymeAlert offers a more immediate option for individuals concerned about potential exposure to Lyme disease.
The LymeAlert kit is available for pre-order on the company's website for $49.99 and is scheduled to begin shipping at the end of August.