LymeNet Flash: Is MDL a Lyme reputable lab?

This is topic Is MDL a Lyme reputable lab? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Luthien (Member # 7132) on :

Hi,

I wanted to ask if anyone had experience with MDL labs in NJ. My LLMD clinic sends stuff there now instead of Igenex because of insurance reimbursement issues they encountered when testing through Igenex.

I am a bit uneasy about this, and if I'd known in advance I would not have chosen this clinic.

Can anyone tell me anything about this lab? I know some of the tests are not availble except through Igenex so I will not have got them.

Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :

Hi Luthien,

From what I know...MDL has always maintained a good reputation as one of the top three labs in the country.

I haven't personally used them, but many here have.

Perhaps you can ask the doc to send what they must to MDL, but ask for what they don't cover to be sent to Igenex? It is your bill, so you have the right to choose.

Anyone one know of a reason NOT to trust MDL?

You might want to contact them to see what you think...
MDL Lab
Tests for Lyme, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Bartonella #877-269-0090 http://www.mdlab.com

Good luck
Melanie

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C O L O R A D O * S U P P O R T * S Y S T E M
[email protected]

Posted by tickedntx (Member # 5660) on :

My understanding also is that MDL is one of the top three Lyme labs in the country (Igenex and Bowen being the other two). The doctor who diagnosed me with Lyme in 12/03 also had switched to them due to insurance issues. I don't think she ordered a Western Blot from them, but I did test positive on their C6 Peptide and got a positive LabCorp Western Blot.

If money is an issue for you, get the tests run by MDL so they will be covered by insurance. If your tests there are engative, tell the doc you are willing to pay for Igenex testing (if you are), and get tested there as well.

Do, though, be prepared to pay most of the cost. Because I already had a + WB from LabCorp, I never did the Igenex WB, but I did do a Babesia panel and paid $270 of the $370 cost.

If you do decide to go with Igenex, call them to discuss your case and what tests they recommend you do to improve the chance that you will get an accurate result.

Posted by HEATHERKISS (Member # 6789) on :

My Doctors have used MDL LABS.

I tested positive for Babs and Lyme.

Use Bowen or Igenex when you hit the lottery.

Kisses,
Heather

Posted by Pantsinsocks (Member # 7440) on :

My LLMD prefers them over Igenex and Bowen. LLMD said she had send them known "test" samples +/- and the get it right.

quote:
Originally posted by Luthien:
Hi,
I wanted to ask if anyone had experience with MDL labs in NJ. My LLMD clinic sends stuff there now instead of Igenex because of insurance reimbursement issues they encountered when testing through Igenex.
I am a bit uneasy about this, and if I'd known in advance I would not have chosen this clinic.
Can anyone tell me anything about this lab? I know some of the tests are not availble except through Igenex so I will not have got them.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

quote:
Originally posted by HEATHERKISS:
Use Bowen or Igenex when you hit the lottery.

I don't think $200 [Igenex] [$250...Bowen]for a Lyme test is expensive.

What does MDL charge?

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oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by cbb (Member # 788) on :

Also, Bowen tests for 3 diseases (Lyme, Babesiosis, & Ehrlichiosis) for the $250 Tax Deductible Donation. Not bad for 3 tests.

If you itemize on your tax return, you can list the $250 as a charitable contribution.

And if you're positive for LD, they do the Serial Dilution to let you know how high the bacterial load is.

I've had tests at MDL & Bowen & I've been pleased with both.
IGeneX is excellent, too.

Posted by HEATHERKISS (Member # 6789) on :

Lymetoo,

MDL is free if you send a copy of your insurance card. Which was a real shocker for me because it is not a "network" lab.

Heather

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Free is nice!

My insurance paid for my test from Igenex.

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oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by cigi (Member # 6600) on :

I was positive from Igenex, negative from MDL and low positive from StonyBrook. Who knows? Positive 23 in the igm from Igenex and MDL. I've had a positive in the igm for 2 years now.

Cigi

Posted by trailsgrl (Member # 7285) on :

I was positive IgM Lyme from MDL in 2000/2001. FREE was AWSOME!

Went thru Igenex this time 2005. More bands positive for lyme IgG and Igm. Babesia entire panel was negative, although MDL showed positive IgG in 2001. Also positive Bart IgM and HME IgG. Alittle worried that Igenex is over positive, but it is not just ONE band for me, so I figure it doenst matter...I freakin got Lyme.

Both are supposed to be reputable.

Trails

Posted by MammaLyme (Member # 1257) on :

I went to all the labs in 2000 and 2001. Was bitten in 1994. Igenex found no coinfections, MDL found NOTHING, went to BBI labs which found babs but not lyme and the beat goes on. Then an LLMD told us about Bowen. Have never looked back. Best testing around since you get colored pictures and you get the results within 24 hours after the blood is received by the lab

It is worth the $250 donation. The CDC does not include the Bownen lab when they say do not use commercial labs. Bowen is a not for profit lab and is not commercial.

I not only had lyme, but HME, HGE, babesia and it showed the pics. Awesome! Is your life worth the $250 for the test.

Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :

MDL is the lab my LLMD uses and it is where I tested positive. For their western blot, I know they return the results showing the CDC criteria and their own criteria.

I have also never received a bill, even though I know my insurance isn't paying the full cost.