I've never done the igenex testing. Have the kit . I tested with local labs with some positive bands on tests. My question is if the igenex test comes back neg. does it mean you dont have it since there very reliable.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Depends upon which bands show up.
What are you waiting for?
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Igenex is going to give you the results for every single band tested. So you are going to get a lot of results. You won't get just a word like "positive" or "negative."
Even slightly positive bands (referred to as "indeterminate" results) are significant if they are on bands specific for lyme.
Have you read the explanation of the Western Blot found here:
So, even if Igenex reports that your CDC result (using CDC's criteria, in other words) is negative, that doesn't mean that you are negative according to a lyme doctor.
And, even if Igenex says that your overall result is negative according to Igenex's criteria, a lyme doctor will still give a lot of weight to your symptoms and any positive or indeterminate bands that are specific for lyme.
So, even a "negative" Igenex test can turn out to give evidence of lyme disease in a sick person.
In conclusion, no test can say for certain that a person DOES NOT have lyme disease. That's the way it is in 2012. And, that includes the brand new lyme culture test also.
The new lyme culture test ($500) can say for certain that you DO have lyme, but it can't say for certain that you don't. All it can say is that it could not grow any lyme bacteria from the sample given to it. A different sample from the same person could give a different result. That is the nature of lyme disease. It isn't everywhere in your body at all times evidently.
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
Mountaineer - TF is right. Please go to Igenex.com which is the lab's website.
Look at the section on tests, and the other section on "what tests to order." This will give you a much better idea about how they can get clues to do "cross testing" if anything is suspicious. You do need to see a LLMD in so that they can interpret these results.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Igenex is very good and the best at Western Blots. Still, a negative test does not at all mean lyme might not be present.
As others explain, the individual bands mean something and you need an ILADS-educated LL doctor to interpret results . . . along with a clinical assessment. They have to SEE you, talk to you, get history, etc.
You may want to read about the new test at Advanced Labs at the bottom of this thread: -----------
Diagnosing Lyme Disease (&/or whatever else is going on) -
Posted by Mountaineer (Member # 14085) on :
I've had bands 23,28,41 before. As well as my elisa usually positive.
Going to talk to my doc about it. thanks for the input.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
If you already have positive bands, why do you need to do more testing?
fyi, 27 reasons for tests not showing positive even though we may have Lyme: www.canlyme.com/seronegreasons.html Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I echo Robin: "If you already have positive bands, why do you need to do more testing?"
You don't. Not for lyme, anyway.
Perhaps for other things, though. The "Diagnose" thread above has many other considerations. -
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
even with positive on igenex some doctors won't accept this as confirmation.
Posted by lymenow (Member # 36175) on :
isn't a culture test the same as an ELISA then in the sense that there aren't any false positives but there are false negatives? just wondering because that test is cheaper.
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
quote:Originally posted by lymenow: isn't a culture test the same as an ELISA then in the sense that there aren't any false positives but there are false negatives? just wondering because that test is cheaper.
No, an ELISA in theory can have false positives. A positive CULTURE, on the other hand, is definitive proof of an active Bb infection.
Posted by tickbitt (Member # 33753) on :
It's my understanding that the ELISA has false positives as well as false negatives.
A culture test can be expected to fail if the blood sample didn't contain any lyme bacteria. Not all blood samples will, so you're absolutely right that cultures can have false negatives.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
The ELISA catches only about 40% of Lyme cases. But if it's POSITIVE, you can take it to the bank.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by paulieinct:
quote:Originally posted by lymenow: isn't a culture test the same as an ELISA then in the sense that there aren't any false positives but there are false negatives? just wondering because that test is cheaper.
No, an ELISA in theory can have false positives. A positive CULTURE, on the other hand, is definitive proof of an active Bb infection.
- But you COULD have Lyme and still get a negative culture. They could have missed the Lyme. Similar to a PCR. A positive can't be argued with but a negative still leaves the door open.
Posted by defygravity21756 (Member # 36412) on :
Hi,
I am brand new to the world of LYME. I am sorry for taking time up here to ask this question but where and how do you start a new thread? I don't see anywhere on the forum where to do this.
I have so many questions about my bands and results. Can anyone help me. Thank you so much My best regards defygravity
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Here ya go!! Glad I noticed your question on this thread!!