Just wondered if PCR test are reliable at all. I have been igenex cdc igm positive years ago, but one of my doctors suggested the pcr test to see if I still have active lyme. Thanks for any help.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You don't ever NEED to do further testing for Lyme. You go by symptoms as to whether or not you still need treatment.
As for the PCR, IF it is POSITIVE, it's a homerun... but it COULD come back negative EVEN IF YOU STILL HAVE IT.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Ditto to LymeToo: "You don't ever NEED to do further testing for Lyme."
Best to go by your symptoms, and assessment of a very good LL doctor with a brain and lots of experience. A lot of this is just figure it out as we go further along the trail.
Be sure that possible other tick-borne and other chronic stealth infections &/or deficiencies are considered.
But there is no test that can show "no lyme" - as a stealth infection, it's just not like so many other infections / tests in that way. And, I also wonder about so many other tests that doctors think are just so very black & white. -
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Yeah, you don't need to do anymore testing.
What I have heard is that PCR testing will catch 77% of Lyme cases.
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
I have heard a lower number than Robin has.
Posted by LisaK (Member # 41384) on :
I really do love (really do) how you all say - testing no longer needed- because it makes me feel empowered... for a second... and that is becasuse where i live NO dr believes this. they hold so tight to test results even though I had a huge EM rash lasting 6 months!
I went to a new network of drs the other day and she said pcr is better than Elisa, she also said it was a very reliable test. I didn't ask for percentages but sheis oging to base whether or not I have tulameria on that test result. . I was having a really dumb day , so I didn't question anything.
but, if this is better than elisa why don't they use it more?? and why don't I ever remember hearing about it?
Posted by LisaK (Member # 41384) on :
so I had of course normal results fomr the lyme PCR. and the dr said it means I never had lyme ever. or it would have showed up. nice. haha .. ididn't bother to tell the ignorant dr
that I had EM lasted for months!
[ 09-22-2016, 09:56 AM: Message edited by: LisaK ]
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
The PCR is valuable IF it comes back positive...that is like GOLD. But if it's negative it doesn't mean squat.
Posted by TNT (Member # 42349) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: The PCR is valuable IF it comes back positive...that is like GOLD. But if it's negative it doesn't mean squat.
Exactly. If PCR negative, you can still be infected. I personally have found it to be wrong more often than serum antibody testing. So, very unreliable.
But, live blood microscopy with darkfield or phase contrast is pretty reliable.... particularly if you do it the way we share on the "Microscopy Thread" by giving the RBCs time to degrade and the spirochetes time to come out.
Posted by LilaLee* (Member # 43649) on :
Having said Dr state that the PCR is 'better than the Elisa" is first, not sayin much but further, really shows that she is not current on diagnosis/treatment, and a strong indicator that you need to move on. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, she likely doesn't even know she isn't current and I'm sure she has all the best intentions for your health. But, move on.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
(This is an old post)
Posted by LisaK (Member # 41384) on :
yes, lymetoo, I resurrected it. hehe
Posted by TNT (Member # 42349) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: (This is an old post)
quote:Originally posted by LisaK: yes, lymetoo, I resurrected it. hehe
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