LymeNet Flash: Are all Western Blots the same?

This is topic Are all Western Blots the same? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by PatioGazer (Member # 5650) on :

I am seeing my doctor tomorrow morning and want to request a second test for Lyme but this time I want the Western Blot test. Is Igenex the only lab that does this, or does Igenex do the test differently than other labs? If I want Igenex, do I have to speak with them or can my doctor just write something on my bloodwork Rx and have it go to Igenex?

Thanks for any info!

Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :

Many different labs run the Western Blot. However, that being said, all Western Blots are NOT the same. IgeneX has one of the better tests. You need to have the WB IgM and IgG (two different types of WB).

If your doctor is not familiar with IgeneX, I suspect you're not seeing an LLMD. You can go to www.igenex.com and pull the test order form. It also has instructions for drawing the blood and shipping. IgeneX does NOT take insurance. It's a pay as you go thing. You can pay $180 up front, or have them bill you for $260 later.

I've had WB's from Quest and MDL and both came back negative, as well as a negative PCR from Quest. My WB from IgeneX was CDC positive on the IgM.

I hope you're seeing an LLMD, and if not, PLEASE post on seeking a Dr. to find one in your area. Seeing an LLMD is not just about getting diagnosed properly - it's about being treated properly as well.

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Julie G.
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lymeinhell

Posted by Lenny777 (Member # 5452) on :

quote:
Originally posted by PatioGazer:
I am seeing my doctor tomorrow morning and want to request a second test for Lyme but this time I want the Western Blot test. Is Igenex the only lab that does this, or does Igenex do the test differently than other labs? If I want Igenex, do I have to speak with them or can my doctor just write something on my bloodwork Rx and have it go to Igenex?
Thanks for any info!

My understanding is that Igenex tests more bands and more bands that are specific to Lyme. Also, their criteria for a positive test is different that other labs like LabCorp etc... I think you have to produce antibodieds out your wazoo to test positive with "regular" labs. Others will know more details than I do.

You need to go to www.igenex.com and download their paperwork and take it to a lab, after you doctor signs for it of course. You can also call Igenex and they will send you a kit that consists of the paperwork, shipping materials and prepaid shipping. Some people say it's a waste of time but I think it's more convenient. It took about 2 days for them to get the kit to me.

Posted by PatioGazer (Member # 5650) on :

Thanks for the info. I hope to have my regular doctor at least order the tests for me. If not, or if she does and they come back positive, I will seek out an LLMD.

Posted by Lenny777 (Member # 5452) on :

quote:
Originally posted by PatioGazer:
Thanks for the info. I hope to have my regular doctor at least order the tests for me. If not, or if she does and they come back positive, I will seek out an LLMD.

If you have symptoms of Lyme you need a LLMD regardless of a positive test or not. I doesn't matter if it's from Igenex or Bill's lab from down the street. Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and you should be treated on symptoms and it usually takes an LLMD to do that. Plus it's better safe than sorry. A positive test is good for peace of mind but that's about all it's good for. There are people who test negative 10 times before they get a positive. Go...run to an LLMD!

[This message has been edited by Lenny777 (edited 21 June 2004).]

Posted by Kara Tyson (Member # 939) on :

IgeneX is not the only lab. But not all Western Blots are the same. The labs buy kits so it depends on which type of kit the lab uses.

I believe IgeneX is the only one with the Reverse Western Blot but not sure

Posted by Lishs mom (Member # 2344) on :

No they are not all the same.
Some of the WB omit lyme specific bands from their protocol. These happen to be the more common strains as well.

MDL, and IgeneX do full spectrum testing on the WB. (all available bands to test are tested)

The others omit bands which should be tested if you are symtpomatic. The other tests are primarily for surveillance, and often used against the patient if bands are not positive.