Was I dreaming, or did I see on here previously that you can order your own lab tests for the more thorough Lyme test - that's Western Blot, right? and for the main co-infections?
My friend would like to do this while waiting for LLMD appt.
So I am thinking you take this kit to your own local clinic's lab, and send it off to the testing lab?
Can anyone point me in the right direction? thanks!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- First of all, tests have to be order by a doctor. An MD, ND (naturopathic doctor) or other kinds of doctors can order as well, such as a chiropractor.
If any insurance reimbursement is to be had (if possible) a doctor must order it
the LAB used MUST be one that will do the job correctly and one that the LLMD would trust
It needs to be only certain days of the week, sent out on time, with the correct mode of transit, etc. before seeing the LLMD, no one should just on their do ANY tests. Testing is so very complex, the LLMD should guide exactly which test(s) should be done
and if there is to be any "pre" Rx or not
which tick tests would need to be done - it may not be lyme but another tick borne infection that would be more important
as symptoms might stack up so that lyme might be evident but if funds are low, a different tick test might be better money spent
and the lab, of course.
You can find testing instructions, etc. at IGENEX website for various tick infections.
After looking over IGENEX pages
checking symptoms
then, perhaps call the LLMD's office and ask if it would be helpful to do some testing prior to seeing the doctor. If so, ask which lab and get very clear each detail of any instructions.
Remember, lyme is CLINICAL diagnosis. The doctor will need to assess in person. -
Posted by SickSam (Member # 45330) on :
I ordered my own test kit from Igenex and had my blood drawn at AnyLabTestNow. After the draw, I still had to get my PCP to sign off on the test, but some AnyLabTestNow locations have a doc that will sign off on it for you.
It was helpful to have my western blot before seeing my first LLMD. We were able to hit the ground running. He did do a little additional testing, but the western blot was out of the way.
Posted by jsnyde2 (Member # 7888) on :
Thanks for the info, guys!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Right... you can get any doctor to sign off on it once you get the kit. Even some chiros will help out.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Just know that it can be difficult to find a doctor who will sign off on the Igenex tests order form for you. Most doctors will NOT do it. That is the attitude most doctors have about lyme testing and Igenex testing.
So, go to an AnyTestNow site that has a doctor on site OR get a doctor to sign the order form BEFORE you have your blood drawn.
Do NOT have the blood drawn and then carry it around trying to find a doctor to sign the order form. You want that blood to be sent to Igenex as soon as possible after the blood draw.
Blood that sits around will clump and cause a false negative test result. So, get a doctor to sign the order form and then have the blood drawn.
And, just know that Igenex will NOT send the test results to you. Nope. They send the results to the doctor who signed the order form. So, you will have to get your results from that doctor.
If AnyTestNow signs the order form, getting your results will be no problem. So, that is the easiest way to overcome the various hurdles.
Also, be sure you know what tests to order. Igenex can help you pick the tests if you call them.
Posted by SickSam (Member # 45330) on :
AnyLabTestNow sent my blood in without a signature immediately after the draw, so it didn't sit. Then once Igenex received it, they faxed the form to my doc to get his signature.
I gave my doc a heads up to be expecting it. That made it easy, because sometimes doctors respond better to requests from "official" sources than patients. But yes, if you can get a signature beforehand, even better.
Also, Igenex did mail the results directly to me. My Western Blot was very positive.