LymeNet Flash: Which test?

This is topic Which test? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/119830

Posted by jecati (Member # 26700) on :

I know the recommendation is test #188 an #189 through Igenex, but if you had to only choose one, which would it be?

The IgM or IgG?

I cant find the article I read that mentioned IgM being the most important and showing a truly chronic case.

thanks!

Posted by amyb (Member # 5520) on :

I believe IGM is recent infection.

GOOD LUCK [Smile]

Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :

You can't order the IgM and IgG separately. They are all one test--called the Western Blot.

Here is the test order form for Igenex:

http://igenex.com/files/PATIENT_TEST_REQUEST_FORM.pdf

Your doctor will complete this form marking what tests he wants done on you. You will be ordering the Basic Lyme Panel, #4090.

As you can see, this includes: Western Blot IgG, Western Blot IgM, Lyme IgG/IgM/IgA Screen

There is no other choice that includes less.

You can call Igenex and ask them about it also. Their number is:

800.832.3200

But I am 100% positive that you cannot order just half of the Western Blot.

Notice that there isn't anymore #188 and #189.

Regarding IgG and IgM, IgM is SUPPOSED to be the section that shows recent lyme, but in reality, more people with chronic lyme end up with positive IgMs.

This is all discussed at the post that explains the Western Blot. It is here:

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/42077

Here is a quote for you:

"Because Borrelia burgdorferi is a chronic persistent infection that may last for decades, you would think patients with chronic symptoms would have positive IgG Western blots.

But actually, more IgM blots are positive in chronic borreliosis than IgG. Every time Borrelia burgdorferi reproduces itself, it may stimulate the immune system to form new IgM antibodies.

Some patients have both IgG and IgM blots positive. But if either the IgG or IgM blot is positive, overall it is a positive result."

To really see what is going on, you need both parts of the Western Blot.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

It would make no sense doing only one. You don't know which one will show positive. And either one needs to be treated.

TF.. They won't let you order ONLY the IgG and IgM??? (by itself)

That's rotten.

Posted by jecati (Member # 26700) on :

When I had my lyme test through Igenex, my doctor only ordered the IgM, $100, test #188 I think.

Luckily, it was positive so I needed no further testing.

This test will be for my 13 yr old. Needless to say money is tight around here. But Im thinking I reallly need to try to get a positive test just to get the extended family on board...they would be the ones that could help with treatment.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

This is the "article" saying that the IgM often shows positive in chronic patients.

Western Blot Explanation
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/42077