LymeNet Flash: Great explanation of how western Blot (WB) testing works!

This is topic Great explanation of how western Blot (WB) testing works! in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :

This helpful explanation, with diagram, comes from the blog for the "This Week in Virology" podcast (a great podcast by the way):

"The western Blot"

http://www.virology.ws/2010/07/07/virology-toolbox-the-western-blot/

For new members, the "western Blot", aka "immunoblotting", is a type of test that is used in all kinds of testing applications, not just for testing for Lyme Disease.

Knowing the way the test is designed and works is useful in better understanding Lyme Western Blot testing.

For another explanation, that specifically describes how Lyme Disease western blot testing works, see:

"Dr. C's Western Blot Explanation"

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/42077

Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :

The Western Blot measures our RESPONDS to Bb's antigens (proteins) by measuring our ANTIBODIES to the proteins.

However, Mg levels drop "significantly" at the OUTSET of lyme (rash stage) and Mg (and Ca) are needed to MAKE healthy antibodies so they show up on the WB.

If you are going to have a WB test done...load up on Mg for days prior.

Mg supplementation restored the "health" of our antibody to Bb's OspB - pubmed - linked a zillion times.