LymeNet Flash: Igenex Test Form Question

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Posted by falloutboy (Member # 6592) on :

My PCP agreed to do an Igenex test for me!

So anyway - I'm looking at the form he gave me and it isn't anything like the form that they have on their website.

My form is only one page and has all the test options on the bottom with numbers and checkboxes.

Do you think my doc has an old form and I need to get him to sign a new one printed out from the website?

Also, he has the following tests checked.

Multiplex PCR - B. burgdorferi
453 - Serum

Babesiosis
670 - Babesia Comprehensive Panel

Ehrlichiosis
790 - Comprehensive Ehrlichia Panel

That all seems well and good, but there are some sections that don't have any checkmarks in them.

Those sections are Bartonella, Antibody assays for B. Burgdorferi, and Direct detection for B. burgdorferi.

The one that has me the most worried is ANTIBODY ASSAYS for b. burgdorferi. Under that section there are two tests
189 - IgG Western Blot
188 - IgM Western Blot

My doc didn't put checks in for these tests... Now I'm reading this as he's basically only checking for co-infections. Am I reading that correct?

I've never had an Igenex western blot - only a negative Western blot from Quest. He gave me another sheet that has a bunch of other blood tests to do through their regular lab and Western blot is on there...

Do you think I should call and insist that I get a Western blot from Igenex? I don't know how far to push my luck today...

[This message has been edited by falloutboy (edited 14 January 2005).]

Posted by mtnmanjim (Member # 6775) on :

You should both 188,189
IgG and IgM Western Blot
done. The Co-infection
look proper. Igenex website
does explain the reason why
to do both 188 and 189.
I have had test done by Igenex
and trust them.
I just joined lymenet today
but there is a great posting by
treepatrol on posted 13 December 2004 12:37
under medical condition.
This person did an excellent job of
explaining the tests.
Best of Luck
Andy

Posted by mjbucuk (Member # 843) on :

my son's form sounds just like yours, one page with tests at the bottom. Up in the top right corner ours says may 2004. Dr Jones sent us our form so I am sure it is a good form.

Posted by sarabear (Member # 6530) on :

I would push your luck to make sure you get the IgG and IgM. I am in a similar situation--I had a western blot with quest and it came back negative. I just received the kit from Igenex, and am having those two mentioned above. You should most likely do the same. Good luck!

Posted by bg (Member # 46416) on :

Yes, there are 2 forms...same but formatted differently.

Mine initially was 1 page; too crowded on there; 2 page is better & shows the $$ amount of testings too.

Yes, get IGM & IGG done also!

Make sure: dr. signs & puts your DIAGNOSIS CODE on IGENEX's form! They didn't mine & it took 8 weeks for Calif. Blue Shield/Card company to reimbursement me a VERY SMALL amount since IGX does NOT accept insurance.

MD Labs and Bowen both accept insurance.

Also, write on IGX's form that you want the results FAXED to your dr., and followup by their paper copy mailed to your dr. Mine was lost for 6 weeks; I had to pursue; my blood lab didn't track it.

Remember, it's PREPAY by check or credit card. Best wishes. Betty G., Iowa