My lyme/western blot test recently came back negative but from what I've read here, I need the info from the bars myself to make a determination since it wasn't done @ Igenex. Can I request that directly from my primary, will it show on his end or does the lab give him generic results, in which case I would have to contact the lab to get the specific bars?
Thanks!
Posted by tic chick (Member # 9156) on :
Welcome Twink,
Call the doc that ordered the test from Igenex and the office should be able to relay the info over the phone and also mail you copies.
You are entitled to copies of the results.
Post them here and someone will explain the details.
BTW, my Igenex result were negative as well however, I was ++ on band 31 which is indicative of Lyme exposure.
Keep in mind that Bb is a clinical dxs and Labs are used to support the diagnosis.
Tic
Posted by Twinklette (Member # 10563) on :
Tic my blot *wasn't* done at Igenex though I am planning on having it done, just not sure how to go about it. What is the cost and what tests should I have done? Do I need my primary to order it?
My question was if I had the blot done by a local lab and it came back negative, can I still see the bars on those test results to see if anything looks off?
Thanks!
Posted by von (Member # 8333) on :
Unfortunately, there are only a few labs that test correctly for Lyme and co infections. My first Western Blot for lyme was reported as negitive. I asked my primary doctor to give me a copy of the report, and all it said was negitive. My doctor didn't realize that that was not a full report. When I called the lab, after quite a run around, they told me "it is either positive or negitive, we don't do bands."
This is unexcptable.
I then went to two different infectious disease doctors, neither of which questioned the report. Or should I say the one word. All this to say lots of labs are clueless and lots of doctors also are clueless. (some by choice)
You will have to insist on testing at one of the Tick Borne Disease speciality labs. You might have to ask more then one doctor.
Unfortunately, a doctor has to order the testing.
I got my primary care to order through Igenex by ordering the kit from her office, then saying to her "Please humor me. I just want to know."
Yvonne
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Didn't you post your bands elsewhere today?? I think you have all the information from that test that you need.
Can you get a dr to draw blood for the Igenex test?
Find a dr who is willing to do that for you, then order the test kit...or get him to do that for you.
I would suggest the #188 and 189 from Igenex. Get the bloodwork sent off early in the week.
Then come back here with your results, since your GP will probably have no clue about the results unless it were to SAY "positive"!!
Posted by Twinklette (Member # 10563) on :
So if I understand it right, when I get the test kit from Igenex, I go to my primary, have him sign off on it (which he agreed to do thankfully), and I could have the blood drawn then for me to send? Do I mail the samples back to Igenex myself the same day the blood is drawn? Does it take a long time for results?
Sorry about all the questions it's just that I've never done this before and want to be clear. are #188 and #189 the only necessary tests for Lyme at this point?