No. Lyme disease tests used by official German laboratories are of the same type that the NHS uses, though they may be produced by a different manufacturer. Confusion arises because some private German laboratories use tests that have not been found to be helpful in diagnosis (eg EliSpot and LTT (Lymphocyte Transformation Test)) and also some which are not specific for Lyme disease, but can be abnormal in a range of other conditions (CD57+ immunological marker). See “Are other types of tests useful”
Printer FriendlyBe Aware!
In Britain, medical education is highly variable regarding diseases transmitted by ticks. It may be left to you
- the patient, to continue to emphasise that symptoms were linked to a tick bite.
- the doctor, to be aware of the possibility, to question the patient, and to read our resources for clinicians