Babesia Antibodies
This test detects antibodies against Babesia parasites in the blood. It helps identify current or past infection causing babesiosis, a tick-borne illness.
Turnaround time
3 weeks
Biomarkers count
1
Book your test
Choose Service Type
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
Select a clinic: Sorting by distance…
{{ clinic.full_address }}
{{ selectedClinic.full_address }}
Select a date
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
Details about Babesia Antibodies
What is the Babesia Antibodies Test?
The Babesia Antibodies test is a blood test that detects immune antibodies produced in response to infection with Babesia, a parasite that infects red blood cells. Babesiosis is primarily transmitted through tick bites and can cause malaria-like symptoms.
Antibody testing is useful for identifying exposure or infection, especially when parasites are not easily detected on blood smears. Antibodies may remain detectable after the acute infection phase, making this test helpful for both current and past infection assessment.
This test is commonly used in individuals with compatible symptoms and a history of tick exposure.
Why do I need a test for Babesia?
You may need this test if you have symptoms following a tick bite or travel to endemic areas. Babesiosis can range from mild to severe, particularly in people without a spleen, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
Early detection allows appropriate treatment and helps prevent complications such as haemolytic anaemia or organ involvement.
Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:
- Tick bite exposure
- Fever, chills or sweats
- Fatigue or weakness
- Muscle or joint pain
- Headaches
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Unexplained jaundice
- Persistent flu-like illness
Benefits of the Babesia Antibodies Test
- Detects exposure to Babesia parasites
Identifies immune response to infection. - Supports diagnosis of babesiosis
Useful when blood smears are negative. - Assesses past or current infection
Antibodies may persist after acute illness. - Non-invasive diagnostic tool
Requires only a blood sample. - Helps guide treatment decisions
Supports early therapeutic intervention. - Useful in tick-borne disease investigation
Complements other vector-borne testing. - Supports monitoring in high-risk individuals
Important for immunocompromised patients. - Widely used in infectious disease assessment
Established clinical utility.
Step-by-Step: How Testing Works
Choose your preferred testing method
You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.
Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw
- Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
- A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
- The sample is analysed for Babesia antibodies.
- Results are delivered securely online.
Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)
- Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
- A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
- The sample is transported to the laboratory.
- Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.
Your Results Explained
Negative Result
No Babesia antibodies detected.
This suggests no evidence of current or past infection, though early infection cannot be fully excluded.
Borderline Result
Low-level antibodies may indicate early or past exposure.
Repeat testing or additional investigations may be recommended.
Positive Result
Detectable antibodies suggest current or previous Babesia infection.
Results are interpreted alongside symptoms, exposure history and other laboratory findings.
How It Works
Simple steps to get your results
Book Online
Choose your test online and book in seconds. Select your preferred clinic location or home visit option.
Visit or Test at Home
Attend one of our UK or London clinics, arrange a home nurse visit, or use a finger-prick kit where available.
Get Your Results
Your sample is analysed by accredited UK laboratories, with secure results delivered directly to you.
Take control of your health with London Blood Tests
WhatsApp UsHow to Prepare for Your Test
Follow these guidelines for accurate results
Sample Timing
Where possible, attend your blood test between 7am and 12pm. Please wait until any short-term illness or infection has fully resolved before testing. Avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours beforehand, as this can affect certain markers.
Fasting & Hydration
Fasting is not always required, but some tests may recommend it. If fasting is advised, avoid food for 8–12 hours before your appointment and drink water only. Stay well hydrated, as this helps with sample collection and accuracy.
Medications & Supplements
Continue prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your clinician. Avoid vitamin, mineral, or biotin supplements for at least 24–48 hours before your test, as these can interfere with results. If you are unsure about any medication or supplement, please let us know before your appointment.
Hormones & Menstrual Cycle
For hormone-related tests, timing within your menstrual cycle may be important. If relevant, follow any specific guidance provided on your test page.
If you have any questions or special circumstances, our team is happy to advise before your appointment.