I sent the blood test in monday afternoon. I hope all I needed was to have the blood drawn. I wasn't instructed otherwise to my recollection, anyway.
It was the igg and igm western blot. All igenex would need is the 2 vials of blood for that right?
It's confusing since I had to find a place to get blood drawn and do it all on my own, including shipping.
I just hope I got it right, they wouldn't need it to be spun in a centrifuge or anything right?
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
I think it is supposed to be spun and separated - but am not positive.
I think whole blood is not spun.
Also not sure - but I think the PCR tests are with whole blood. I think antibody tests the blood is to be spun.
The directions should be/have been somewhere in the paperwork.
Call Igenex.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
I assume you used their testkit? If you have any Qs, their number is 1-800-832-3200.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- copying from your post as a similar thread:
- gigimac, you asked:
It was the igg and igm western blot. All igenex would need is the vial of blood for that right? (end quote)
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If you sent it to Igenex, a form would have to go with it in which the doctor checked the tests to be done.
They would have sent you or your LLMD a test kit. The kit is free. It has the tubes you need and forms to complete to send along with the blood sample.
They would need to know if you are taking any antibiotics, etc.
The doctor has to sign the form.
The form with the Igenex testing kit also has instructions for the LAB TECH to prepare the sample for shipping.
This is where many blood samples can get ruined for a proper test. The lab techs must have clear instructions.
It would need to be picked up by FedEx for next day shipping in the envelope supplied by Igenex.
Even if they say this sample can wait a while, it's best to ship it out early in the week, Fed Ex, overnight delivery.
You need to get a tracking label for the package and be sure of the carrier if it's not Fed Ex. Some labs will send samples on a sort of wild goose chase just to delay testing. Kaiser is known to do this.
Since Igenex send (or used to the last time I used them) the Fed Ex shipping envelope and label, you would have a tracking number.
The Forms and Sample Requirements Section provides updated Test Request Forms for the Physician's Office. It is required that you use the most recent Patient Test Request Form.
Please discard any forms dated before January 2011. This Section also includes information on shipping and collecting samples.
See Menu to the left of their screen. There is a page with a chart for each test, explaining how the sample needs to be prepared.
Clink on:
Forms and Sample Requirements - that will give you more link options. Or call them.
For the Western Blot detail, it states:
Collect in Red Top Tube, separate, and send in clear tube. Store in Refrigerator. Ship within 4 days of collection. Ship at Room Temperature.
OR
Collect in SST Tube and spin.
Store in Refrigerator.
Ship within 4 days of collection. Ship at Room Temperature
(27) REASONS WHY A SERONEGATIVE TEST RESULT MIGHT OCCUR
Not all labs do the tests correctly. Each step must be done precisely, from the moment the blood sample is drawn. -
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
If you got the kit from IgeneX, there should be a sheet with instructions for drawing the blood.
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
I don't recall any directions like this. There was the sheet of paper the dr. signed and checked igg and igm. The only other papers were a medicare form and a pricing sheet from igenex.
I guess I assumed the people at the lab would know what they were doing. I will call igenex tomorrow.
If it was supposed to be spun, will my test be ruined?
I want to cry right now, I have waited to get this test for so long and I won't have the money to do it again!!
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
This is what it says on Igenex web site: Collect in Red Top Tube, separate, and send in clear tube.
I watched the woman at the lab draw the blood out of my arm and put it in the package. there was no separating!!! I gave them all the paperwork that my dr. gave me.
I went through so much to get this done, drove two hrs to see dr.. Searched for a lab and payed out money I didn't really have. I am really going to cry.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would call the lab. It is THEIR fault, not yours.
OR.. it is Igenex's fault if they failed to include instructions. Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Call Igenex and tell them what happened.
I'm thinking that they will not be able to do the Western Blot so you will not be charged.
Posted by droid1226 (Member # 34930) on :
The blood must be spun. Most hospital labs look at the igenex test like it's calculus. Some nurses have never separated blood, it's amazing. You aren't going to get accurate results if it was not spun. You need to fight and get reimbursed.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by TF: Call Igenex and tell them what happened.
I'm thinking that they will not be able to do the Western Blot so you will not be charged. [/QB]
- You could be right!
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
In the past when Igenex could not run a test because the blood was not good - they did not charge me.
Order another kit. Have doctor sign the forms again. Go back to lab.
I don't recall how many tubes are in the kit - I think there are tubes for whole blood and special tubes for blood to be spun. Any lab should recognize the kind of tubes that mean spin the blood.
The lab should have read the instructions. And used the correct tubes and spun them. I think it takes about 20 minutes to spin.
Then enclose properly and mail back to Igenex. I hope you did not pay shipping. I think that is as well included in what Igenex charges. They have an account with FedEx for this?
The lab should redo and not charge.
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
You had this done Monday right? If the blood was not drawn properly, call IgeneX and let them know. I don't think you will be charged if you cancel the tests.
When you call ask them specifically what the lab needs to do when the blood is drawn, and write it down.
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
I called the lab this morning and the woman I spoke with told me that the specific tests i sent did not need to be separated.
She said my tests were already being processed and everything was fine. She also said that most people send in an additional tube to the two I sent in and that it is the one that needs to be spun.
Anyway she assured me everything was correct and I hope to goodness she is right!
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
gigimac, this is great news!
I am sure you are very relieved.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
YEA!!
Which test did you get??
Posted by Libra72 (Member # 38453) on :
I am so confused.. I know I can call on Monday but does anyone know the pricing for these tests. I just ordered the ~Panel 6050 #230 (Lyme IFA), #188, #189, #456, and #453
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
yes, I am very relieved! She said they were processing the test and everything was fine.
I sent in: The Initial Lyme Panel: includes IgG and IgM Western Blots and PCR (whole blood and serum):
My doc did not order the PCR (that is used for additional testing if the doc wants to call in more tests, I was told) because she knows I am broke and it's all I could do to get the igg and igm.
I have a price sheet from igenex that came in the kit, I need to find it. If I find it I'll try to post it. Some of the pricing might be on igenex website but I didn't see it when I was on the site.
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