posted
I've never done the igenex testing. Have the kit . I tested with local labs with some positive bands on tests. My question is if the igenex test comes back neg. does it mean you dont have it since there very reliable.
Posts: 64 | From New Jersey | Registered: Dec 2007
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Igenex is going to give you the results for every single band tested. So you are going to get a lot of results. You won't get just a word like "positive" or "negative."
Even slightly positive bands (referred to as "indeterminate" results) are significant if they are on bands specific for lyme.
Have you read the explanation of the Western Blot found here:
So, even if Igenex reports that your CDC result (using CDC's criteria, in other words) is negative, that doesn't mean that you are negative according to a lyme doctor.
And, even if Igenex says that your overall result is negative according to Igenex's criteria, a lyme doctor will still give a lot of weight to your symptoms and any positive or indeterminate bands that are specific for lyme.
So, even a "negative" Igenex test can turn out to give evidence of lyme disease in a sick person.
In conclusion, no test can say for certain that a person DOES NOT have lyme disease. That's the way it is in 2012. And, that includes the brand new lyme culture test also.
The new lyme culture test ($500) can say for certain that you DO have lyme, but it can't say for certain that you don't. All it can say is that it could not grow any lyme bacteria from the sample given to it. A different sample from the same person could give a different result. That is the nature of lyme disease. It isn't everywhere in your body at all times evidently.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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AuntyLynn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35938
posted
Mountaineer - TF is right. Please go to Igenex.com which is the lab's website.
Look at the section on tests, and the other section on "what tests to order." This will give you a much better idea about how they can get clues to do "cross testing" if anything is suspicious. You do need to see a LLMD in so that they can interpret these results.
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Igenex is very good and the best at Western Blots. Still, a negative test does not at all mean lyme might not be present.
As others explain, the individual bands mean something and you need an ILADS-educated LL doctor to interpret results . . . along with a clinical assessment. They have to SEE you, talk to you, get history, etc.
You may want to read about the new test at Advanced Labs at the bottom of this thread: -----------
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I echo Robin: "If you already have positive bands, why do you need to do more testing?"
You don't. Not for lyme, anyway.
Perhaps for other things, though. The "Diagnose" thread above has many other considerations. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
even with positive on igenex some doctors won't accept this as confirmation.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
isn't a culture test the same as an ELISA then in the sense that there aren't any false positives but there are false negatives? just wondering because that test is cheaper.
Posts: 109 | From PA | Registered: Feb 2012
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quote:Originally posted by lymenow: isn't a culture test the same as an ELISA then in the sense that there aren't any false positives but there are false negatives? just wondering because that test is cheaper.
No, an ELISA in theory can have false positives. A positive CULTURE, on the other hand, is definitive proof of an active Bb infection.
-------------------- Sick since at least age 6, now 67. Decades of misdiagnosis. Numerous arthritic, neuro, psych, vision, cardiac symptoms. Been treating for 7 years, incl 8 mos on IV. Bart was missed so now treating that. Posts: 765 | From nw ct | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
It's my understanding that the ELISA has false positives as well as false negatives.
A culture test can be expected to fail if the blood sample didn't contain any lyme bacteria. Not all blood samples will, so you're absolutely right that cultures can have false negatives.
Posts: 146 | From Maine | Registered: Aug 2011
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quote:Originally posted by lymenow: isn't a culture test the same as an ELISA then in the sense that there aren't any false positives but there are false negatives? just wondering because that test is cheaper.
No, an ELISA in theory can have false positives. A positive CULTURE, on the other hand, is definitive proof of an active Bb infection.
- But you COULD have Lyme and still get a negative culture. They could have missed the Lyme. Similar to a PCR. A positive can't be argued with but a negative still leaves the door open.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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I am brand new to the world of LYME. I am sorry for taking time up here to ask this question but where and how do you start a new thread? I don't see anywhere on the forum where to do this.
I have so many questions about my bands and results. Can anyone help me. Thank you so much My best regards defygravity
-------------------- "I am wounded, but I am not slain. I shall lay me down and bleed a while, then I shall rise and fight again." Posts: 1 | From upstate NY | Registered: Feb 2012
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At the top of the page where it says Post New Topic
-------------------- diagnosed with MS, 1988-Diagnosed with Lyme Disease 2009. Also babesia and bartonella. Currently not on antibiotics. Taking Metalloclear for high lead and mercury since October 2012. Rifing since June 2012 Posts: 148 | From usa NH | Registered: Mar 2009
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
whatever you do don't rely on quest labs.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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