22 Reasons your negative Lyme Disease test results are wrong
One of the most common frustrations I hear from clients revolves around these two statements:
"I've never been bitten by a tick."
"My Lyme test was negative."
Unfortunately, these two beliefs can often delay a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Tick-borne illnesses—including Lyme disease—are no longer strictly transmitted by ticks. Other biting insects, such as mosquitoes and fleas, can spread Lyme disease. Additionally, it can be passed between partners and even from mother to child in utero.
Despite experiencing classic Lyme disease symptoms, many people are misdiagnosed due to negative test results. Below, I’ve outlined 22 reasons why your negative Lyme disease diagnosis might not tell the whole story.
Why Your Lyme Disease Test Might Be Wrong
Early Testing: If you were recently infected, your body might not have produced enough Lyme antibodies to be detectable yet.
Antibiotics Before Testing: Taking antibiotics before testing can disrupt the antibody response and skew results.
Long-Term Antibiotic Use: Extended antibiotic use for another condition may suppress detectable Lyme antibodies.
Antibody Availability: Your blood may not have enough "free" Lyme antibodies because they are actively binding to Lyme bacteria.
Biofilm Protection: Lyme spirochetes can form biofilm colonies, hiding and shielding themselves from detection.
Spirochete Hiding: These bacteria can burrow into deep tissues, such as cartilage, fibroblasts, and neurons, evading standard tests.
Bleb Presence Only: Some PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests require whole bacteria, but only small blebs (fragments of the bacteria) may be present.
No Free Spirochetes: On the day of the test, there may be no free spirochetes in the body fluid sampled.
Genetic Variability: With over 300 strains of Borrelia worldwide (100 in the U.S.), you could be infected with a strain not included in the test panel.
Antigen Variability: Borrelia can alter its outer surface proteins, which may result in the test missing Lyme-specific antibodies.
Dormancy Phase: In its L-form (cell-wall deficient phase), Lyme evades detection as it hides from your immune system.
Body Temperature Influence: Lyme spirochetes can adapt their surface antigens in response to body temperature changes.
Immune Deficiency: A weak immune system might not produce enough antibodies for detection.
Recent Anti-Inflammatory Treatments: Medications suppressing the immune system can reduce antibody production.
Babesia Co-Infection: Co-infection with Babesia (a protozoa) can suppress immune function, leading to a negative test.
Immune Suppression by Cytokines: Your body’s own immune response can down-regulate antibody production.
Lab Error: Technical errors or insufficient lab training could result in false negatives.
Late-Stage Lyme: Most tests are not optimized to detect late-stage Lyme disease.
Investigational Use Only: Some lab tests are only approved for experimental or investigational use, limiting their reliability.
Inadequate Reference Points: Many tests compare results to only a few genetic strains, leaving others undetected.
Western Blot Criteria: Revised criteria for Western Blot testing omit important antibody bands, leading to missed diagnoses.
CDC Testing Criteria: Designed for epidemiological studies, not clinical diagnosis, CDC criteria often exclude symptomatic cases.
No Two Lyme Cases Are Alike
Lyme disease and its many co-infections are incredibly complex, and no two cases are identical. As such, treatment strategies must be tailored to each individual.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. My Lyme diagnosis came to light only after addressing an underlying mold illness. Initially, my immune system was handling my Lyme infection and co-infections. However, prolonged exposure to mold toxins dysregulated my immune system, triggering a cascade of events that allowed Lyme and more to surface.
Through bioenergetic testing and energetic kinesiology, I uncovered hidden obstacles preventing my healing. These same techniques have become the cornerstone of my approach with clients.
What’s Next?
If you suspect Lyme disease despite negative test results, don’t give up. Start by scheduling a free Health Strategy Call, where we can:
Assess your symptoms and health history.
Develop a personalized plan tailored to your health needs and lifestyle.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s work together to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and create a path toward healing.
Healing Lyme, One Balanced Step at a Time
~Tessa