LymeNet Flash: Is the ELISA test reliable??

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Is the ELISA test reliable??

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Topic: Is the ELISA test reliable??

bonbon521
Member
Member # 25900

posted

Can anyone tell me if the ELISA lyme testing is a reliable test? If not, what is the best test to have? Thanks.

Posts: 20 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: May 2010 | IP: Logged |

dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102

posted

That is a no...actually there is no really good test. Western Blot from Igenex is okay. Lyme is to be a Clinical diagnosis w/tests to confirm but diagnosed by symptoms etc.

great booklet to print out w/info is green booklet from http://lymepa.org

From Anna Lee's post at top of page - her quick links to popular topics very informative

Western Blot Explanation
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/42077

Posts: 2675 | From ct, usa | Registered: Jan 2004 | IP: Logged |

t9im
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25489

posted

Elisa only tests one band and doesn't allow variation. NIH sample study on Elisa indicated 45% false negatives (i.e. the negative Elisa but positive Western Blot) BUT CDC recomendations are do this test first and if positive then do the western blot.

LLMD's do the WB from Igenex and the results MAY confirm the clinical diagnosis.

Unfortunately most doctors rely on the Infectious Disease Society guidelines which rely on testing.

My daughter had a negative Elisa back in October and both the pediatrician and infectious disease MD's stated no Lyme.

We just received Igenex WB results IGG (30+, 34 & 39 INDETERMINATE) indicating Lyme but not positvie under Igenex and CDC guidelines. 41++ but this is flagela not bb specific.

So we at least have confimed Lyme just not good enough for the main stream MD's and insurers.

--------------------
Tim

Posts: 1111 | From Glastonbury, CT | Registered: Apr 2010 | IP: Logged |

littlebit27
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24477

posted

But even if you confirm it good enough for the CDC and mainstream Docs they still won't treat it long enough.

So the only answer to both testing and treating is to find an LLMD.

I had a negative ELISA and WB through mainstream labs. I am Igenex pos, CDC neg.

--------------------
*Brittany Lyme Aware on FB*
http://littlebithaslyme.wordpress.com/

Posts: 2310 | From Southeast | Registered: Feb 2010 | IP: Logged |

justbrowsin
Junior Member
Member # 25684

posted

wasn't for me.

Posts: 4 | From delaware | Registered: Apr 2010 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

NOPE... unless it comes back POSITIVE!! If it does, you can take that to the bank!

They are known for their false NEGATIVES!!

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

groovy2
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6304

posted

Totally agree with what Lymetoo says--Jay--

Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004 | IP: Logged |

onbam
Unregistered

posted

it misses 80%

google lymeinfo seronegativity

IP: Logged |

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