LymeNet Flash: What's the difference between Igenex Western Blot and a "regular" lab's?

LymeNet on Facebook

LymeNet on Twitter

Follow @LymeDiseaseNet

The Lyme Disease Network receives a commission from Amazon.com for each purchase originating from this site.

When purchasing from Amazon.com, please
click here first.

Thank you.

Dedicated to the Bachmann Family

LymeNet needs your help:
LymeNet 2020 fund drive

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations.

»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » What's the difference between Igenex Western Blot and a "regular" lab's?

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: What's the difference between Igenex Western Blot and a "regular" lab's?

sparklyholiday
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 42456

posted

My western blot was all negative, but it was run through Lab Corp, ordered by my physician.

What's the difference between that and Igenex? Is Igenex more sensitive?

Posts: 173 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 2013 | IP: Logged |

Robin123
Moderator
Member # 9197

posted

IGeneX tests against two strains, B31 and 297. Most labs only test against the B31 strain. That's what makes IGeneX testing more accurate.

Even with that good testing, 60-70% test positive who have the illness, since the bacteria could be in hiding, or the antibody response might not be strong enough, etc.

That's why Lyme-literate doctors also treat clinically, by history and symptoms.

IGeneX testing is free for anyone on Medicare, and 75% off through www.lymetap.com if people qualify as low-income.

Posts: 13117 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006 | IP: Logged |

sparklyholiday
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 42456

posted

OK, that makes sense... and even then, people can still test negative and have it, it seems. (I'm on the "I don't know what I have, but my doctor thinks I have lyme now" rollercoaster!)

Posts: 173 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 2013 | IP: Logged |

Robin123
Moderator
Member # 9197

posted

Many people test positive after they've had some treatment, when their antibody response is stronger.

If you want, you could go ahead and retest through IGeneX and see what you get. They send you a free testkit. www.IGeneX.com, 1-800-832-3200.

If you ever had a bull's eye rash, you don't need to test - the rash means Lyme.

Posts: 13117 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006 | IP: Logged |

Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110

posted

IgeneX tests for two more Lyme-specific bands that Quest and LabCorp do not--bands 31 and 34.

Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Sammi:
IgeneX tests for two more Lyme-specific bands that Quest and LabCorp do not--bands 31 and 34.

-
and those bands are critical

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

Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110

posted

quote:
Originally posted by Lymetoo:
[QUOTE]and those bands are critical

Yes they are.

Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged |

Printer-friendly view of this topic

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:

The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey
907 Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, NJ 08534 USA
http://www.lymenet.org/