DNA/PCR Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, May 13, 2024

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warns that Lyme disease is spread by western blacklegged ticks that are common to coastal California and the Sierra foothills. CDPH also reports that Lyme disease is the most common of all the tick-borne diseases in the state.

The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of ticks infected with a bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. Typical symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.

“Nationwide, some studies suggest up to 476,000 people get Lyme disease each year,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “While the risk of exposure varies throughout California, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports that the western blacklegged tick that can spread it has been recovered from 56 of the 58 counties in the state.”

To educate the public about Lyme disease and ways people can mitigate their risk of infection, May is recognized as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. May is also the month that is considered to be the start of the annual tick season.

Fortunately, ticks that have bitten a person can be collected and tested to detect the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi. LA Testing’s network of laboratories is pleased to provide this service utilizing a PCR-based DNA analysis that is exceptionally accurate. They also offer an easy-to-use Lyme Disease Tick Test Kit to collect and submit samples for analyses. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about ticks and Lyme disease several years ago that can still be viewed at: https://youtu.be/nzINREQurOg 

To learn more about tick testing for Borrelia burgdorferi or other microbial pathogens, please visit www.LATesting.com or www.TickTestingLab.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. For access to test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.