Is this a decent lab?
Posted by Mathias (Member # 5298) on :
Yes. Very good for mycoplasma. Probably 2nd to IgeneX for other tick bourne diseases. They take most insurance.
Posted by metasequoia (Member # 9325) on :
Okay, working with my doc who isn't very LL, what tests should I order???
Should I do the WB IGG/IGM & which tests for co-infections? Should I test for mycoplasma & haven't I been hearing good things about the Lyme C6 Peptide?
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
Erin,
read my post, 4-20-06 new LLMD summary & LAB RESULTS...
What you really want to know is at the END of my long post; it details WHICH tests my llmd ordered for me, and boy did I learn a lot.
When I was just reviewing my labs, I see the RESULTS OF MDL are not included; so they must have been typed in my software that was LOST that needs reinstalling & has problems.
Bottom line, it showed I had 3 types of epstein barr virus, HHV-6 human herpes virus 6, and simplex herpes virus plus some other stuff.
My mono/EPV which it wasn't called then showed up in me strong after 36 after having this illnes that caused my CHRONIC LYME!
Wouldn't hurt to skim my entire post since it shows the 12-16 other labs & what was tested & results of the testings. I'm to find out tomorrow from my LLMD exactly what all these results mean in PLAIN ENGLISH thank God.
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
I would get your blood drawn at at least two labs. Choose from MDL, SUNY at Stonybrook and Igenex.
I've had blood sent to all these labs, and have had different bands show up at the different labs, which helps to get a complete picture.
I definitely have lyme disease. I have never had ONE positive WB band ever from MDL.
Timaca
Posted by Jill E. (Member # 9121) on :
I've had most of my Lyme and coinfection testing done at IGeneX, but my LLMD ordered some highly specialized Bartonella tests through MDL.
To my surprise, my insurance paid a huge chunk of the MDL fees and almost nothing of IGeneX, so check with them about your insurance plan.
I just did the Comprehensive Chronic Fatigue Panel ordered by my LLMD through MDL and it's very enlightening about viruses, mycoplasma, etc.
Jill
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Betty, I tested positive for the same herpes viruses as you plus cytomegalovirus. According to my reading these viruses are ubiquitous and the majority of the population will show IgG positive for most of these tests by the time they are 50.
I don't know that these test results indicate a current infection unless you have positive IgM but I will be talking to my doctor tomorrow and will hopefully have a better idea.
As far as MDL, they are one of the well known, reputable tick testing labs. Terry
Posted by lymex5&counting (Member # 7202) on :
Out of 6 of us tested. The 2 of us that DON'T
have CDC positive IGeneX tests, got positive Bb
Urine PCR's from MDL.
We have also done the Bb PCR's for blood. Along
with blood PCR's for Bartonella, Babesia, RMSF,
Mycoplasmas and Erlichia. And I think an ELISA for
Babs and some of the Mycoplasmas.
Although all of these came back Negative
I agree I would like to do the virus panels too.
Yes insurance always convered ours at 100%.
I would do the Western Blot at IGeneX though.
Your insurance should cover it at 80% unless you qualify for a PPO waiver then mine was covered at 100%. But you have to request it before the draw.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
I just posted the $$ paid by medicare today for MDL, IGENEX, & SPRECTRA CELL LABS....
So for those without insurance, you'll have an idea how expensive these tests are out of pocket.
I still haven't heard from Iowa BCBS if they will pay any of my other lab charges/office call totaling $2500 that I've submitted to them.