posted
I think that Lab Corp now is testing for Lyme...if so...what should a Dr. ask for on the prescription form...anything importent he should add to get the proper test done...need it for a friend who just wants to check things out...has some of the symptons...if anyone can help with this i would be greatful....thanks Madge
-------------------- madgen Posts: 342 | From newjersey | Registered: Oct 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
up; bottom of page 2...
i have no knowledge of lab corp so can't help...
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posted
thanks Betty, i was not sure about LabCorp...i think i'll have go to our Lyme Dr...if she will??? just trying to get her treated early and not go through what we did after 6 years with no help...Madge
-------------------- madgen Posts: 342 | From newjersey | Registered: Oct 2007
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
Some LLMDs use Labcorp.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
had my initial test done through quest. md can order western blot.mine did not order ELISA just western blot. but lab corp does western blot as well
have lab done mon or tues as test is shipped to calif. for alalysis. can help to order as "stat" so blood is shipped out same day. if drawn early enough in the day
LLMD ordering repeat blot and some co-infection testing as well through lab corp for me. he told me quest results pretty accurate however lab corp does more co-infection testing
-------------------- i am not a Dr. any info is only for education, suggestion or to think/research. please do not mis-intuprest as diagnostic or prescriptive, only trying to help. **
dx in 08:lyme, rmsf, bart, babs, and m.pneumonia. Posts: 422 | From TX | Registered: Oct 2008
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
To my knowledge Quest and Labcorp are the worst labs for lyme testing. Unless there has been a breakthru very recently.
They only have a few bands vs Igenex, who has ALL LYME BANDS.
I would invest in a test from IGENEX since they specialize in lyme testing.
You can download the forms from their website and take it to your lab for drawing the samples. You need to do this on a monday, since they dont want the sample laying around.
They are located in Palto Alto california. Most LLMD's will use IGENEX for lyme testing.
posted
I had my western blot done through lab corp and came back IgM positive on bands 39 and 41. Lab corp contacted the health department and my LLMD is currently treating me.
-------------------- We are their voice, Please spay and neuter! Make adoption your first option! Posts: 61 | From Alabama | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
The dr should ask for the Western Blot. Labcorp does it.
Lab Corp found 6 positive bands{5 Igg and 1 IgM} on me 2 yrs ago.
I don't know why everyone bashes them.
-------------------- Take Care, DakotasMom01 Posts: 371 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2007
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
This may help everyone to understand why they are not the best labs for LYME diagnosis.
Quest and Labcorp fall under "CDC Guidelines."
They test for fewer number of bands than Igenex. They also do not usually run a Western BLot if the Elisa is negative. They do not show IND, which is indeterminate. At Igenex this means they saw "Something" but very faint.
If you are positive on the IGG they read that as a 'past infection.'
If your IGM is positive, it has to have TWO or more bands react in order to be considered positive.
Here is a few links which can explain in more detail:
posted
Thanks for the links. I am not being arguementive with anyone. Just stating my opinion.
My experiance with labcorp, was meant to be positive and encourageing to the poster.
The one link is a thread thats 2 yrs old and only other peoples opinions. There is no actual proof that Labcorp's western blot testing is faulty, on that link.
I NEVER had the elisha tests done, only the western blots through labcorp and three tests showed positive { different bands on each test}, done years apart.
Others here have stated they had accurate Western Blot test through labcorp. A search here will find them.
The drs site, the links he cited, didn't work and there was no date as to when his info was posted. Again,this is one persons opinion.
The drs site also said, the tests were meant for tracking lyme and not so much for dx-ing it.
Igenex makes mistakes.I have seen a few posts here of that nature. Search and you will find them.
Its up to the drs to make the dx based on patient history and symptoms ,not just test results.The Cdc gave faulty guidelines, that have been misinterpetted by drs and ins comps.
Please keep in mind many people can not afford the other expensive test that many here, say is the best. Just like not all can afford llmd's or the travel expenses to get to an llmd.
Many people, that are lucky enough to have ins to pay for the testing, have to go where the costs are coverd. Esp those living in NJ right now, who still have jobs and ins.
I don't feel its right to take away peoples hope of getting better, when they don't have the funding to go out of network because a few people's personal opinions.
Its the same when a confused new person comes here looking for help and 20 replies all say get to an llmd. When the person finds out more of the expense involved, they can't do it. Because of other obligations and responsibilities. { there are a few other drs willing to treat people.}
Hopelessness and defeat can/does set in.I know thats not anyones intent, but it still happens.
This whole disease is hard enough to deal with, without added financial strain. Or being made to feel like you have to go into the poorhouse or be homeless to get better.
-------------------- Take Care, DakotasMom01 Posts: 371 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
thsnks all for you help..i printed alot of info for my friend to take to her Dr..it will be up to her and him as to what to do..i did offer to take her to my husbands Lyme Dr..but she wants to see what her Dr. says first...Have a great Thanksgiving all....Madge
-------------------- madgen Posts: 342 | From newjersey | Registered: Oct 2007
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Dawnee
Unregistered
posted
Labcore and Quest both were good labs for me. Lab Core actually found a band that IgeneX missed.
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
Dakota,
Your opinion is well taken and that is what is so great about this site.
With all due respect, perhaps you may never have experienced the total frustration and desparation of being misdiagnosed over and over again (maybe for years!)
The average "CDC" doctor will only treat short term and follow those guidelines.
I'm not recommending that people shouldnt use Labcorp if that is all they have or can afford, but most lyme doctors do use more sensitive labs.
This excerpt is taken from a Lyme doctor that posts on his website, dated 11/8/2008. His site is extremely informative as he posts his experience with all aspect of lyme.
"Most patients have insurance. This means that tests at "mill labs" like Labcorp and Quest are covered. This is usually the starting place.
These labs do a mediocre job with serological(antibody) tests, but appear to do a poor job with PCR testing. Don't order the standard Lyme antibody test. This means an ELISA test will be done.
We know this is a poor screening test. Order a direct Lyme Western Blot test. This is a better, yet still poor test. It only reports 13/28 bands. Despite this, sometimes we get lucky."
We all know Lyme is very hard to diagnose, treat and keep in remission. I myself was one of the lucky ones.
Unfortunately the reality of this disease is that most regular doctors and infectious doctors do not even believe lyme exists!
And if they diagnose you, they only want to give 21 days of doxy at most. Mainly because the tests are faulty and they dont want to be sued.
According to Dr. Burrascano, the top lyme doctor in the USA, he has a different opinion. If you havent already, you may want to read his guidelines:
Most people on this site have spoken through years of frustration of being told they dont have lyme because their tests were negative, or didnt have enough bands.
Some were told they had MS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, ALS or some other "syndrome" mostly because the standard test standards fail.
If you ask for an opinion, feedback or advice on this site, you will probably get people's true experiences through lots of hard knocks.
People who post here have also learned that LLMD's really have the expertise and knowledge to treat lyme either with traditional, combination, or holistic approaches.
Granted, this site is not perfect, but it is NOT the intent of those who post here to drive people into the poor house or become homeless.
I truly feel people here are trying to help others with their struggle to get diagnosed and properly treated. They also exchange ideas and experiences.
I hope those who are feeling hopelessness or defeat find peace and victory soon.
Best of health to everyone. Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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Gem Said ""Most people on this site have spoken through years of frustration of being told they dont have lyme because their tests were negative, or didnt have enough bands.
Some were told they had MS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, ALS or some other "syndrome" mostly because the standard test standards fail.""
Yes, I know, I am one of the above. Misdx'd for 20 yrs. Yes, I too, don't want anyone else to go through what we did.
""it is NOT the intent of those who post here to drive people into the poor house or become homeless. ""
I wasn't implying that was the intention at all. The important thing for newbies is that they get tested. So they can treat early.
All I was saying is there is a big difference,to someone having finincal problems, to find the thousand or so bucks for the one lab vs a $30.00 co-pay to go with the insurance lab. For some,the only choice is the lower cost.
""I truly feel people here are trying to help others with their struggle to get diagnosed and properly treated. They also exchange ideas and experiences.""
Yes, I agree with you here also!!
""I hope those who are feeling hopelessness or defeat find peace and victory soon.""
Me TOO!!
Happy Thanksgiving !!
-------------------- Take Care, DakotasMom01 Posts: 371 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2007
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
Dakota,
Looks like we are the 'force'!!
Now if we could get our government people to start funding reasearch money for getting better testing procedures and treatments we'd be on a roll!!
Have a great holiday. Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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posted
I've had 5 Lyme tests done, 2 of which were Western Blot tests, all positive.
WB from Labcorp, no IgM positive, every single IgG positive
WB from Igenex, a LOT of IgM positives, and almost all IgG positives
2 titres, 1 of which I know was from labcorp, both highly positive.
1 test on knee fluid (not sure of lab, most likely lab-corp) positive for Lyme.
I'm sure if your immune system produces a ton of antibodies against Bb, it's going to read a positive one way or another no matter who the testing place is.
However, if your immune system has not produced a lot of antibodies, I think Igenex is your best bet for a positive.
Posts: 123 | From Georgia | Registered: Jul 2008
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adamm
Unregistered
posted
Labcorp's been testing for it for a long time, and I'm sure that their tests are still worthless.
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