Hello, My LymeMD is sending out my blood work to the special lyme lab owned by famous Dr. H in Palo Alto. I should know the results soon.
I was wondering how accuaret the results are ? I know that standard lab results are not accurate ( such as quest diag ) but this lab specializes in this...
If I have Lyme can it still come back as negative and vice versa ?
Also, I was on abx when doing the test and so I hope that does not interfere with the results.
Thanks for reading,
Sean.
Posted by FancyRatFan (Member # 3088) on :
Hi Sean,
Welcome.
Yes, the lab is the most sensitive lab at this point in time.
If it so happens to come back negative you can still have lyme. Lyme is also a clinical diagnoses.
As far as false positive, my opinion is no, however I have not done alot of research regarding that.
On ABX when tested. I'm not sure.
Someone will be around soon who is more informative on the last two.
Lets us know how your results turn out.
Fancy
Posted by liesandmorelies (Member # 15323) on :
IgeneX is one of the best labs for this disease in the country.
They specialize in Lyme and its co-infections.
Keep in mind that even with the best lab in the world, Lyme can fly under the radar on the tests.
There are so many variables i/e how long you have had the disease etc...
Lyme is a clinical diagnosis, so even if your tests come back indeterminate and or negative you should find a good LLMD to help make that diagnosis.
I used IgeneX and was positive after showing negative at least four times through Lab Corp and Quest on the basic Elisa tests even though I had a Bulls-eye rash.
I was so relieved to finally show positive through IGeneX and would recommend them to you.
Posted by Michael_Venice (Member # 17254) on :
Hi.
I have some info about the tests while on abx. I had the same question after my tests, because i had been on Azithromycin for months prior (because of a mycoplasma pnuemonia infection).
I spoke to Dr. Harris, who founded Igenix (I called and asked a tech the question and they put me on hold and he was who answered).
He said the test that can have interference from abx are the PCR tests, which are DNA based. He said being ON antibiotics with that test often produces false NEGATIVES.
He didn't seem to think that abx affect the other (WB, IFA, etc). ones.
And, Sean, also....for what it's worth--the whole thing about testing and 'do I have this or not'--drives me nuts sometimes too. If you read a lot about it, there are many who test very negative for a long time, and then, boom, they go 'sero-positive'.
There's a woman (author/science writer) named Pam Weintraub, she wrote a book called "Cure Unknown". I think her book talks about a few people who this happened to (as far as 'seroconverting').
Posted by born2net (Member # 18783) on :
Thx for that... great info. So the question is, do I continue and take more, stronger abx if the test results are negative ?
Not asking for medical advice, just your opinion.
Thanks again, this is the BEST forum,
Sean.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Hey new member born...
Ever see a skunk?
Ever smell a skunk?
Then you can compare that experience to the Lyme tests.
IGenex test (WB) may give you clues.. but not always the real stink on the matter.
Example...
You may test "negative" according to the dopey number levels that were set by the competitors- who happened to have $$ involved/invested in the tests THEY worked with, etc....
BUT... you may show a few "bands" that indicate you have been exposed to Lyme disease.
In other words... you may see the skunk, but not smell it.
For that I would be thrilled.
IF you have some positive WB bands... and they are Lyme related... and someone says you are negative and don't have Lyme because there is only a little bit showing.. or you are "borderline"...
That is like being a little bit pregnant.
No such thang!
Lyme is a clinical diagnosis. If you show proper history, symptoms and it is a plus if it is confirmed with the tests.... you have Lyme.
And yes, if you have it, you should be treated.
Let us know when the tests come back and if you have questions we can try to help.
Good luck!
PS. IGeneX has said in the past that even with their superior tests.. they only catch about 60 percent of the folks with Lyme.
So MANY folks are out there with negative results who are being treated.
Posted by born2net (Member # 18783) on :
I catch your point Tincup. Will update when I know more, and hopefuly I will know something.
You know it's "funny". I ask myself, if I could choose the blood results, what would I choose.
I mean, if I "choose" them to be positive it would be great in a way since at least I know what I am dealing with and the search is over. I can focus on getting better and get some "respect" for my unknown symptoms that everyone thinks are stress related. However choosing positive also means fighting an up hill battle for a not so easy to kill bacteria.
Choosing "Negative" is also great cause there is still a chance I have something that is more easily curable. But also it means the unkown search is on and no resepct for my symptoms.
So its a win win ... loose losse ... win loose ... loose win ... ... SITUATION.
mmmmm... good thing I can't choose my blood test results
Be in touch soon when I know more,
Sean.
However, if I choose "Negati
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Be sure to post your results here when you get them. We'll try to help you interpret them.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
sean, it takes 3-4 wks. for results to be faxed/sent to your dr.
GET COPIES OF BOTH IGM AND IGG WESTERN BLOT test for your files!! crucial
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