LymeAlert, an at-home screening tool developed by a team led by Erin Dawicki, will be available in August for about $50 and can determine whether a tick carries the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease.

More than 31 million Americans experience a tick bite each year, and Lyme disease accounts for the majority of tick‑borne illnesses reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early treatment is critical because the infection can progress rapidly after a bite.

The kit, called LymeAlert, requires a user to remove a tick with tweezers or a removal tool, place it in a crusher that grinds the tick’s chitinous exterior, and then insert a test strip into the device. The strip uses an immunochromatographic assay to detect Borrelia burgdorferi, producing one line for a negative result and two lines for a positive result within about 15 minutes.

An accompanying mobile app allows users to photograph the test strip and receive an automated reading, and it also offers a list of telehealth providers for users without local medical access.

The test is stable for up to 12 months and is intended to bridge the gap between tick removal and the CDC‑recommended 72‑hour prophylactic antibiotic window. Pre‑orders have already been placed for several thousand units to support initial production.

Pilot studies are being conducted with veterinarians in Massachusetts and will be expanded through retail partners including REI locations in the Boston area and independent pet stores. Data from these pilots will be incorporated into hot‑spot maps that will be available in the app at no cost.

The CDC does not recommend routine tick testing because false‑negative and false‑positive results can occur. Experts say the tool may provide peace of mind but should be used alongside professional medical guidance. Researchers note that only a small fraction of tick bites lead to Lyme disease, and the test does not diagnose infection in people.

LymeAlert aims to increase awareness of tick risk and support earlier medical evaluation, though broader impact will depend on adoption and integration with existing public health surveillance.