TickPlex by Armin Labs

Summary Content

Overcoming the Limitations of Traditional Lyme Testing

Standard laboratory protocols for Lyme disease often rely on a two-tier system that can fail to detect the complex reality of tick-borne illness, especially when multiple pathogens are involved. TickPlex, developed by ArminLabs, revolutionizes this process by utilizing a high-sensitivity "all-in-one" diagnostic panel. AvoVita Wellness facilitates private access to this German technology for Calgary residents, managing the specialized collection and international logistics required.

By screening for various forms of Borrelia alongside critical co-infections in a single assay, TickPlex provides a more accurate reflection of the body's immune response. Whether you are investigating an acute bite or a long-standing chronic condition, this facilitated testing offers the clinical clarity needed to understand your total infectious burden.

Private TickPlex Testing from Armin Labs

TickPlex Basic – Targeted Borrelia Identification

The TickPlex Basic panel is a specialized antibody screening that focuses exclusively on the various strains of Borrelia—the complex family of bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. Unlike traditional Canadian testing protocols that often look for a single strain (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto), the TickPlex Basic utilizes highly sensitive ELISA technology to detect both IgM (recent/active infection) and IgG (past exposure/immune memory) antibodies against a broad spectrum of European and North American Borrelia species. This includes B. afzelii and B. garinii, strains that are frequently associated with neuroborreliosis and chronic skin manifestations, yet are often overlooked by standard local assays.

A critical clinical advantage of the Basic panel is its unique "all-in-one" antigen preparation, which allows for the identification of the bacteria in different morphological states. Borrelia is a highly adaptive pleomorphic organism, meaning it can change its shape from a spiral spirochete to "round body" or "persister" forms to evade the immune system and survive antibiotic treatment. Standard tests frequently yield false negatives because they only look for antibodies against the surface proteins of the active spirochete. TickPlex Basic utilizes antigens from multiple life stages of the bacteria, significantly increasing the likelihood of detection in patients with long-standing or dormant infections.

AvoVita Wellness coordinates the professional mobile collection of the serum required for this high-complexity analysis. Because the integrity of Borrelia antibodies can be sensitive to handling, we ensure that every specimen collected in Calgary is stabilized and prepared for transit according to the strict international standards required by ArminLabs. By managing the priority logistics from your door to the laboratory bench in Germany, we ensure that your results are based on a pristine sample, providing the most accurate diagnostic starting point possible.

TickPlex Plus – The All-In-One Co-Infection Screen

Ticks rarely carry only one pathogen, and the clinical reality is that approximately 85% of individuals with Lyme disease also suffer from at least one other tick-borne infection. The TickPlex Plus is the most comprehensive version of this diagnostic suite, engineered to identify the complex "coinfection cocktail" that frequently complicates recovery and leads to multi-systemic symptoms. By screening for multiple bacterial and viral agents in a single assay, this panel offers a holistic view of your immune system’s current challenges, preventing the need for separate, disconnected tests.

The TickPlex Plus provides a detailed infectious map by screening for:

Primary Bacterial Co-Infections: Includes high-sensitivity detection of Babesia microti, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia chaffensis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. These pathogens often mimic Lyme symptoms while requiring distinct therapeutic approaches, making their identification critical for an accurate wellness plan.

Rickettsial and Mycoplasma Species: Screens for Rickettsia akari (spotted fevers) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae/fermentans, common co-pathogens that can trigger persistent respiratory and inflammatory issues.

Opportunistic Viral Reactivation: A unique feature of the TickPlex Plus is its inclusion of viral markers such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Human Parvovirus B19, and Coxsackievirus. In many cases, a tick-borne infection can suppress the immune system enough to allow these latent viruses to reactivate, contributing to severe fatigue and neurological "brain fog."

By facilitating the TickPlex Plus, AvoVita Wellness provides you with a comprehensive diagnostic blueprint. This "all-in-one" approach—analyzed by the expert team at ArminLabs—not only detects recent exposures (IgM) but also identifies long-term or ongoing immune activation (IgG). We handle the meticulous coordination of mobile collection in Calgary and manage the priority international shipping required to ensure your complex specimen remains stable throughout its journey to the laboratory. This level of facilitated precision ensures that your final report from ArminLabs reflects a complete and accurate picture of your total microbial load.

Wellness Insights

Everything You Need to Know About Private Blood Testing

No we are not connected with provincial health or any other organizations, this is 100% private testing. No requisition is needed (with the exception of cancer screening and prenatal genetic tests), you pay for the tests you want and the PDF results are securely emailed to you. You can download them and do with them as you please. 

Different tests have different turnaround times, and we generally tell people to expect a result window of 3-10 days, depending on when your blood draw is completed. We ship specimens on Wednesdays, and so a blood draw on a Tuesday would result much faster than a blood draw on a Thursday which would have to wait 6 days before shipping. 

No we are 100% private, anyone can access our tests you do not require provincial health coverage or even Canadian citizenship.

Our third party home services provider is familiar with and comfortable with collections on children. We leave it to the discretion of the parent, and our third party provider if a draw on a child will be acceptable. 

Each test has its own price, which can be found by clicking the book now link on our site. We do not offer multi test discounts, the price of each test remains the same regardless of the number of test purchased. You can pick and choose whichever tests you like to meet your needs. 

Let's Connect

Have questions or need assistance? We're here to help! Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. For immediate inquiries, feel free to call us directly at 1 (855) AvoVita (286-8482)

We look forward to hearing from you!