LymeNet Flash: So who has had PCR test positive for Lyme or coinfections?

This is topic So who has had PCR test positive for Lyme or coinfections? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by HEATHERKISS (Member # 6789) on :

Do people with Lyme test positive often? or just occaisionally with this test?

Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :

Hey HK...

Good to see you. Seems like I have been away for years. I am so far behind on what is going on.. and I do miss folks here.

Anyhow..

From what I have noticed over the years... it kinda goes like this:

Folks who test positive are lucky to find out what they have.. and this is a very good indicator if positive.

Unfortunately.. I see folks with Lyme and other tick borne infections who rarely test PCR positive for Lyme. Sometimes they can test for weeks or months.. and not have a positive reading. Then suddenly they do.

I also know of places near you that require patients to have a positive PCR before they can be treated.. then most are treated with IV Rocephin after they have a positive test.

If you don't have a positive PCR.. it vertainly doesn't mean you do not have Lyme. It also.. in MY opinion.. is not a good reason to withhold treatment if someone is actively infected... as Lyme is suppose to be a clinical diagnosis.

So, yes.. some folks test positive on a PCR.. but I see many more who show positive by Western Blot.

I normally recommend a Western Blot for several reasons.. IF a test is needed at all.. one being the costs involved and the better chance of not having to repeat the testing.

Don't have a clue if I even came close to answering your question.. rather exhaused right now.. but I am trying!

Hope you get the answers you need from someone with their brains intact.

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If you get the choice to sit it out or dance...

Posted by HEATHERKISS (Member # 6789) on :

Hi Tin,

Thanks so much. Good work on the Bill. I'm sorry it's still work. I appreicated you taking the time.

I already have a positive from Igenex for Lyme Igg and Igm and a positive for Babs from MDL. But these tests were not PCR. I hope they find the antibody at MDL Labs.

Heather

Posted by Kira (Member # 2676) on :

Hi there,
I tested PCR positive for lyme (first try) but never on any of the coinfections...yet responded to treatments for the co-infections...

Kira

Posted by arg82 (Member # 161) on :

I had a positive urine PCR for Lyme in 2001 after being negative or equivical on all other tests. I was also PCR positive for Bartonella henselae at that point (blood PCR on that one). Since then, though, no positive PCRs. I guess I was just lucky that time!

--Annie

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Posted by janet thomas (Member # 7122) on :

I went for a second opinion to a place in Phippissburg, NJ where they use PCRs a lot. I have a few reservations about their advice. Is that why you ask?