She is negative on the ELISA portion of the test but IgM positive for bands 23 and 41. She is IgG negative.
Is this Lyme? I thought the ELISA had to be indeterminate or positive in order to have Lyme?
This test was done by LabCorp.
Posted by Paul Mall (Member # 27581) on :
Band 23 is lyme specific. I would say she has lyme
the ELISA is only 40% acurate
many people with lyme come up negative on the ELISA
Posted by Paul Mall (Member # 27581) on :
upon further investigation this test result looks like a CDC positive because it has 2 of the IGM 23 and 41 positive.
either one of the 2 would be considered positive by a LLMD but this tests is even a CDC positive
Paul.
[ 09-14-2010, 02:36 AM: Message edited by: Paul Mall ]
Posted by KS (Member # 12549) on :
Those were my exact test results and although I initially doubted that I had lyme, there is no doubt antibiotics saved my life....
Posted by Cattail (Member # 24357) on :
I also had those same exact test results and antibiotics working for me. I was clinically diagnosed as having Lyme.
Posted by Ariel1 (Member # 22227) on :
Paul, KS, and Cattail... thank you for this information.
It helps to clarify things a bit.
She has an appointment with my LLMD in 2 weeks.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would suggest printing this out and reading it several times. It sure helps explain a few things!!
Posted by kimmie (Member # 25547) on :
same here: IGM positive, IGG negative.
Also, very early on my Elisa was positive, but has been negative since...
Herxing and responding to antibioitcs.
Posted by Ariel1 (Member # 22227) on :
Lymetoo, thank you for posting that link for the Western Blot explanation.
I had forgotten that was here.
Kimmie, thank you, that's more proof that you can have a negative Elisa but but still be positive for Lyme.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- ELISA should never be used. It's a waste of money. It's used often to deny treatment, really. Same with spinal taps (Lumbar Puncture) which is NEVER a good test to evaluate lyme.
Also remember that for Western Blots, most labs don't test all the bands. But your mom's IgM is very telling, indeed, for chronic lyme.
My guess is that she has symptoms or she'd never have been tested. I hope she can find a good LLMD to take it from here.
- In the menu to the left of their home page, you can order DVDs of past ILADS seminars. You might also be able to borrow some from your local lyme support group.
This are invaluable to understanding how these infections work. And, none of this is taught in medical schools. None.
(27) REASONS WHY A SERONEGATIVE TEST RESULT MIGHT OCCUR
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TESTING
You should also be evaluated for coinfections. Not all tests are great in that regard, either, but a good LLMD can evaluate you and then guide you in testing. One of the top labs is:
In addition to the usual coinfections from ticks (such as babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia, RMSF, etc.), there are some other chronic stealth infections that an excellent LLMD should know about:
** Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease **
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008) - Four pages
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It's very important to have this book as a reference tool for self-care and support measures. It answers so many questions in detail that is impossible here on the forum.