LymeNet Flash: What is the Capability of a FISH Test compared to other tests?

This is topic What is the Capability of a FISH Test compared to other tests? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :

I want to know if a FISH test is better than other blood tests for coinfections?

Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :

The way I understand it, a FISH is not better, just different.

Since none of the various types of tests are totally reliable, my lyme doctor did two babs tests on me including the FISH.

By using various different tests, you try to improve your chances of finding a coinfection if it is there.

The only babs test that came back positive for me was the FISH.

He said that I definitely had babs because if it is positive on FISH, that means that the technician actually looked at my blood under a high-powered microscope and saw the babs in the red blood cells.

I remember an old discussion of the FISH here on Lymenet years ago. I believe it was Tincup that said that the FISH test is like taking a sample of water from your swimming pool to see if there are any pool toys in the pool.

If you happen to get a pool toy in your sample, you have the correct answer. But, if your sample does not happen to have any pool toys in it, then you don't know if you have any pool toys (babesiosis) in your pool (blood) or not.

I think the idea is that the FISH is limited to the tiny sample of blood that the technician puts on the microscope slide. If there are no babs germs in that sample, then you will get a negative FISH even though you might have babesiosis.

So, the takeaway is that you should do a FISH along with other tests to try to improve your chances of getting the correct diagnosis.

Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :

That is super helpful TF!

Thank you so much for your reply [Smile]

I am super broke and don't want to waste money on tests if I don't have to-but I still have some lingering symptoms that are fairly common with all the coinfections.

Am hoping to narrow it down with tests, but doesn't look like FISH is the one to do.

Thanks again.

[Smile]

Posted by oceangirlSA (Member # 40873) on :

I just had the Babesia Fish test done and the IGG/IGM tests for Babesia again this week.

I have tested numerous times for both Duncani and Microti using every test available and I never test positive and yet I have all the symptoms for Babesia.

Its so frustrating and if this one comes back negative, I am not testing for it again and its just too costly.

I like your explanation TF, it makes a lot of sense. Thank you!

Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :

I tested pos for babs with a fish from igenex a long time ago