OK. I had a thought about the three ELISA tests I had through my local duck hospital.
When I reeived copies of my labs I only got the "summary" which stated "EIA=Negative".
My question is, do I have legal recourse to request more specific lab results, ie. individual band results??
FWIW: Tests were done in Ca.
Thanks for all your feedback.
Posted by Cinder Binder (Member # 8225) on :
Hi:
Yes! Whenever I have any tests done - blood work, MRI's, Western Blot - I have my PCP fax the analysis results to me.
You have every right to get a copy of your records. I keep a file of all of mine.
Cinder Posted by SForsgren (Member # 7686) on :
I don't think that was the question. Yes, you have a right to tests already done, but as I understand the question, you had an ELISA test and now you want to know if you can force them to do a Western Blot. ELISA does not have bands. So, the answer to that question is probably not. I don't think there is anything that will legally require your doc to order the WB with a negative ELISA. It is indicated if you have symptoms. I would print off the guidelines from ILADS here: http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=4836&nbr=3481&string=lyme and then you likely will have to convince your doctor to order the Western Blot. If he will not, a new doc would be indicated.
Posted by welcome (Member # 7953) on :
Thanks everyone.
Actually my question was misworded.
What I should have asked is whether the ELISA is normally just a Positive/Negative test or is there any more analysis to it? And if so would I be entitled to that info?
I suppose in my lyme-lazy-stupor I could probably look it up. I just thought there might be someone currently on the board who knows.
???
Posted by SForsgren (Member # 7686) on :
Positive and Negative is all you generally get with an ELISA (maybe a titer, but no bands). Western Blot provides the specific bands.
Posted by smiles132002 (Member # 7949) on :
my advice is just keep demanding that you want a western blot igg igm if you want to find out more. It's been my experience that the more you push the more you get-you can't just sit back and take the rejection-you have to fight for your health. You can be nice about it, by making them feel like they are your only hope and advocate in getting healthy-and the healthier you are the less money ur going to cost them-insurance companies suck-but I have faught tooth and nail and i have kaiser insurance-and they are paying for A LOT-more than most people. All you can do is try-and read up on your policy. Good luck!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
If you can't get your HMO or whatever to do this, then order the test kit yourself. It's worth the $200.
www.igenex.com Posted by hurtingramma (Member # 7770) on :
Yes, I ordered a kit from Igenex, not knowing that a doc had to sign off for it - and results only go to the doc. Haven't dared ask him for it yet - he is very, very set in his ways and loyal to Stony Brook
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