I just got my results back from Igenix labs and their results were positive but the DC/NYS result was negative. I don't know what to do, which one should I listen to?
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
You can trust Igenex. They specialize in testing for tick-borne diseases.
I never heard of DC/NYS. I don't believe they specialize in tick-borne diseases. They are not one of the labs our lyme docs use.
Posted by Gianna (Member # 18513) on :
I'm sorry I meant to type CDC. On the actual test results they list Igenex IGM results: positive and under that it say CDC/NYS results: negative. I guess according to Igenix guidelines I have lyme but according to NY guide lines I don't. My doctor was just doing to try putting me on antibiotics since there is conflicting results. I don't know what to do??
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
This result seems to happen CONSTANTLY. LLMDs and everyone here will say go on Abx if your symptomatic. Are you IgM or IgG positive according to Igenix? Can you list them bands positive?
Posted by Gianna (Member # 18513) on :
The report is so confusing, don't know how to read it? My doctor is no help either, it's so hard to find a good doctor.
Posted by FuzzySlippers (Member # 13658) on :
Hi Gianna,
Trust the Igenex positive result, I think.
The CDC standards are different from the Igenex standards. Igenex looks for more parts (bands) of the Lyme antibody in our blood. The CDC doesn't look for enough in their testing and thresholds.
The CDC publicly states that their standards are NOT to be used for clinical diagnosis. They are to be used only for surveillance of the disease in tracking the Lyme in the general population.
I know it sounds confusing. But look to the Igenex result -- that is your answer.
You might want to read the thread "Dr. C's Western Blot Explanation." You'll find a good explanation there of the details of your test.
There are currently multiple criteria that support a positive blot. ``Positive'' means consistent with the presence of antibody against B. burgdorferi. The CDC/ASTPHLD criteria are very conservative and require 5 of 10 bands for a positive result; equivocal or borderline results are not recognized. Unfortunately, not all Lyme patients have similar immune systems: only approximately 70% of those with Lyme disease generate a strong enough antibody response to appear on a western blot. IGeneX criteria of 2 starred bands is >96% specific for exposure to B. burgdorferi.
IGeneX has several years of clinical data that support more liberal reporting criteria.10 In addition, current studies show that the CDC/ASTPHLD criteria miss some patients with culture-proven erythema migrans (EM).5,11 Both the IGeneX and the CDC/ASTPHLD criteria are included on the IGeneX report form sent to the physician. 3,5,8,9 The CDC/ASTPHLD criteria for positive results are 5 of the following 10 antigenic bands: 18 kDa, 23-25 kDa (Osp C); 28 kDa, 30 kDa, 39 kDa; 41 kDa, 45 kDa, 58 Kda, 66 KDa, and/or 83-93 kDa. IGeneX criteria for positive result is 2 of the following 6 bands: 23-25kDa, 31 kDa (Osp A), the 34 kDa (Osp B), 39 kDa, 41kDa and/or the 83-93 kDa. 31kDa and 34kDa antigens are included to the criteria due to their importance in the recurrent and/or persistent disease period. IGeneX criteria of is 96% specific for exposure to B. burgdorferi.
I can't recall -- have you posted in the SEeking Doctors section to get a new LLMD to help you?
Fuzzy
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
My lab results from IGENEX were the same = positive according to IGENEX western Blot criteria, and negative according to CDC criteria. The criteria are different b/c IGENEX looks at more bands.
Trust the IGENEX results. You have Lyme.
Posted by Gianna (Member # 18513) on :
According to the report Igenex results say the IGM is positive but the IGG is negative.
Posted by FuzzySlippers (Member # 13658) on :
"With most infections, your immune system first forms IgM antibodies, then in about 2 to 4 weeks, you see IgG antibodies. In some infections, IgG antibodies may be detectable for years.
Because Borrelia burgdorferi is a chronic persistent infection that may last for decades, you would think patients with chronic symptoms would have positive IgG Western blots.
But actually, more IgM blots are positive in chronic borreliosis than IgG. Every time Borrelia burgdorferi reproduces itself, it may stimulate the immune system to form new IgM antibodies.
Some patients have both IgG and IgM blots positive. But if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result."
Please note the last sentence there, ". . . if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result."
I know how confusing this must seem. Hang in there!
Fuzzy
Posted by Gianna (Member # 18513) on :
Thank you so much for your help! Now I need to find a good doctor because my doctor isn't that good.
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LLMDs and everyone here will say go on Abx if your symptomatic. Are you IgM or IgG positive according to Igenix? Can you list them bands positive?