Don't know if I have asked this before - or have seen this discussed. Seems to me when I see, for example, results from Igenex with IND bands - those bands are usually in the 30's ie bands 31,34 and 39. Those are the bands I have been IND so perhaps I notice it more. (epitope test neg on 31 however). Whatever - is it possible there is a "deal" with those bands? ie harder for some reason to get clear readings?
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
I have to agree, I have the same 31 IND band and also paid extra to have the epitope test done with negative results. It seems a little suspicious that they are always recommending the additional epitope test and its usually coming back negative.
Is this a cash grab?
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Just did a quick search on results posted here -and see a lot of IND on bands 34 and 39. And those very significant bands. Why so many IND those bands vs others? Any ideas?
Posted by 5vforest (Member # 29365) on :
I think with the 31 epitope test, the key is to do it when band 31 is positive, and it will tell you if it's positive due to Bb or some other cross-reactant.
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
5vforest, Dr. H. at Igenex told me to do the epitope because my test result was IND for band 31. I never heard of what you speak, not saying it isn't true..
Posted by Hambone (Member # 29535) on :
My bands 31 and 34 were +'s
Both IgG and IgM
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
Wow, that's interesting, Chuckg, That stats on band 41 are a bit disturbing. 96% of people getting tested show either positive or IND (weak positive) Can we even rely on this band to be relevant?
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Chuck - thanks. More interesting than I had expected when you show your data. Off the top of my head - cannot remember the bands that Igenex considers significant for LD and are thereby "starred".(?). IIRC Igenex considers 23 and 83/93 significant and starred. If that is the case - how odd that with your data bands 23,83 and 93 come up with such relatively low IND's and positives. Is that weird? And it does appear that band 39 has the highest numbers for IND. I have to wonder about this. Is there an explanation? I test positive for a few bands - also combining IGM/IGG and the two times I have been tested. 18,28,34IND. ,39IND., 41, 58 and 66. No 23,83,93 at all.
Edit: Chuck you did not mention 93 - my mistake. I often see "83-93." ????
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Further Chuck - do you have a chart that shows other bands? (pct shown as pos.). Also - for a test that is truly positive - how often do the other bands accompany? For me, obviously I have wondered about bands 18,28,58 and 66 - which there is no agreement on significance. I would think they would seem more significant when seen in association with the bands that are considered "for sure" LD markers.
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
The reason I found it disturbing was because there have been several members on here that have only had the 41 band positive..
It makes sense the way you explain it and I'm sure applies to the majority of cases.
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Are you a scientist Chuck G? Just curious.
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Chuck - your data/info - more than interesting.
Particularly in regards to bands 34 and 39.
Ya know - as well as seeing a written report - would love to see (a copy of) the actual test. ie there are lines where "things" migrate to? - don't quite remember/understand - and how it could be different for 34 and 39? Ugh - can't think - too tired - am thinking of when I saw a test example.
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
I cannot find my copies of test results to check this; Which bands are double-starred?
(Brain fog - only Igenex uses double stars?)
I read this on another site - old/known news?
....."double-starred bands don't cross react with other bacteria species and are considered "species specific" for LD"...."
from article written by ILADS doctor 2009
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Chuck - responding to your post "not thinking properly about 34 and 39 IND". Can you explain?
With the exception of band 41 the quote makes one wonder. It could make sense and be rather profound.
In that respect - and what has always been a big question of mine - if not LD - then what do the "other" positive bands mean? Bacterial infection? Like what?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Chuck... you didn't answer the question.... retired from what!? Posted by t9im (Member # 25489) on :
I always wondered why band 30 was not considrered Lyme borieolis specific and double starred.
It's only single starred by IGeneX and the one my daughter has had + all 3 tests.
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Just curious.
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