posted
I am reading about people using advanced laboratory services to test blood cultures? is this advantageous over igenex? do many LLMDs use this? i see some LLMDs in few weeks, but would like to do as much testing as possible prior. My igenex test had only one pos and one indeterminate. I would like some more conclusive evidence before treating for peace of mind. I know, though, that lyme is a "clinical diagnosis."
Posts: 138 | From Connecticut | Registered: Dec 2012
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
If you are going to a good doc, why not let him/her decide?
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Anyone else use advanced lab services ?
Posts: 138 | From Connecticut | Registered: Dec 2012
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
If you want more proof than the Igenex test and your symptoms, you can get the Advanced Labs test. Just know that it can come back negative, even if you have lyme disease.
Advanced Labs says to get 3 different blood samples before concluding that you really are negative.
So, like all other lyme tests, you can rely on a positive test but can't rely on a negative test. So, your desire for conclusive evidence may or may not get satisfied.
If you want to get the test, call the lyme docs you are going to see and ask if they can do it for you. Any GOOD lyme doctor should do it.
Once you start on treatment, you won't be able to have this test without stopping treatment for a significant period of time.
You can do a "search" on LymeNet to find out who has already gotten the test. Just use the "search" function near the top of the screen. Use search terms like "advanced" and "culture."
Here are a couple threads I found for you by doing a search:
You often have to wait for 10 weeks to get your test results. Folks who have had the test have reported this. If your test is not positive after 2 weeks, then the lab will continue holding it that long to see if anything will eventually grow.
"The expected turnaround time for this is approximately ten to fourteen days. However, some do grow more slowly, so all cultures will be held in the lab for a minimum of six weeks."
Why not read everything on the Advanced Labs website to fully understand everything about this test.
If your appointments with lyme doctors are on a Friday, you will not be able to have the blood draw that day.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
TF - thank you. that was very informative and makes sense about negative testing not definitively meaning no lyme. I do understand that. I see what you mean about testing 3 times. thanks again for info
Posts: 138 | From Connecticut | Registered: Dec 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Even 3 tests cannot prove absence of lyme. The cost is so great that I think it's best to first see a LLMD for a clinical assessment.
Other tick borne infections may be tested and money might better be used there if the LLMD is nearly certain of a clinical lyme diagnosis.
The experience and expertise of the LLMD is worth its weight in gold. That is actually more important, I think, than nearly any test if money is so tight as to have to decide whether to get assessed or tested.
To me, a clinical assessment involves so much more of value in additon to a test (at this point in laboratory diagnostics). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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