posted
I'm testing lyme through Igenex and was wondering if I am supposed to be off antibiotics at the time I send in my blood. I've been on antibiotics for 5 weeks now.
Word on the street is that you're supposed to be off antibiotics for two weeks before sending in your blood, but my doctor said it did not matter. It's an expensive test so I want it to be as accurate as possible so what do you guys think. Should I go off the antibiotics or stay on them?
Posts: 121 | From Houston, TX | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
how long do you think I should be off of them before they draw the blood?
Posts: 121 | From Houston, TX | Registered: Aug 2009
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
My prior LLMD used to give me Western Blots while I was still on antibiotics. He didn't seem to think it mattered....or if he did, he didn't think going off antibiotics was worth it in my case. And I would still test positive, with many bands. My understanding is that since the WB is checking for your immune system's antibodies and not the bacteria itself, it shouldn't matter. But I am not a doctor, and I don't treat patients, so don't take my word for it.
I am not sure if going off the abx would make it any more likely that you would test positive or not. You could always call Igenex and ask them.
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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littlebit27
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24477
posted
I heard it was a good idea to go off. I did. I was off for three weeks. My inital WB was through Mayo (ugh) and I tested neg for all but 41. Then after the "antibiotic challenge" I tested with the results below.
I wasn't to make sure I didn't do anything to mess up the results I wanted it to be right.
quote:Originally posted by Knight33: [QB] how long do you think I should be off of them before they draw the blood?
Two weeks
Antibiotics cause the spirochetes to hide. What IS good is going on abx for a month, then going off for 2 wks. Being on the abx WILL make more bands show up in most cases. Your body will produce more antibodies that way....But most LLMD's recommend going OFF for the 2 wks prior to testing.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
I never went off of antibiotics for testing through IgeneX.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
I was off for 3 days. Came up VERY positive with bands below.
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3134 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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