LymeNet Flash: Another new test-what do you think?

This is topic Another new test-what do you think? in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Ann-Ohio (Member # 44364) on :

http://go.zeusscientific.com/zeusborreliamtttfaqs

Zeus Scientific is in NJ.

Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :

Hey Ann-OH,

The discussions I've seen about this test are ALL saying negative things.

Sorry I can't remeber exactly what all was said (by professionals, not by me or the likes of me), but I do have the "gist" of it I believe.

Basically they are using two of the worst tests put together for a result, and no Western Blot.

(Yea, let's get rid of the better test and just use two bad ones.)

As someone said, why would we expect two of the same bad tests to work better than one bad test?

I also remember someone saying the main requirement for getting the FDA to approve a test is that it works equally well or better than existing tests.

Not a very high bar there, is it? And remember Auwaerter, from Hopkins and the IDSA spokesperson, joined the FDA review panel a few years back.

I have been neck deep in IDSA/ACR/AAN guideline draft responses, so haven't had much time to look deeper, but from what I have seen it looks bad.

Was hoping to check out the money trail (patents, etc.) just haven't had time. Don't think I'll bother at this point.

Soooooo, that's what I think I think, I think! LOL

[Big Grin]

Posted by Ann-Ohio (Member # 44364) on :

T.C.

I think you are correct - as always!

Someone I contacted elsewhere thinks it is a shot, so is having none of those! Thinks Ld might have been transferred that way.

Don't think the Zeus test will be favored by that one!

Have you heard if it being transferred by a a shot? Maybe it was blood transfer being considered...

Posted by Bartenderbonnie (Member # 49177) on :

Here is what Dr H. commented on the new test;

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2374054492683335&id=558833517538784&__tn__=-R

"Unfortunately, antibody testing can be negative in the first few weeks of an infection, when it can be easily cured, and according to the Zeus manufacturing website, their test has a maximum sensitivity of 56.3% for infections of 3 to 12 month duration."

(Heads or tails odds folks)

"That sensitivity is about the same as the two-tired testing schema that was previously in place."

"Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and laboratory tests help confirm that diagnosis."

"What we really need are a more sensitive test, as well as improved direct detection testing. Some Lyme patients are immunosuppressed and may not make antibodies. Over 20% of our patients have low IgG antibodies."

"This new test doesn't appear to offer that many advantages over the older one."

Posted by MADDOG (Member # 18) on :

I tried to read this stuff and my lyme brain locked up.
MADDOG