posted
If you get FISH for microtic do you have to repeat for Duncani? anti body tests neg too.
Posts: 26 | From CT | Registered: Jun 2012
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posted
I guess so, since you may have either one. Just remember that even if it comes back negative you could still have babesia.
A positive FISH, on the other hand, is a sure thing!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I suggest you call Igenex and ask them about this.
My understanding is that with the FISH a person is looking at your blood sample through a high-powered microscope. If they see any babesia in your red blood cells, they note that. If you have more than 2 or so, it is called positive for babs.
It seems to me that this method would detect any strain of babs that there was. And, I believe I read that somewhere also.
However, what makes me doubt it is what Burrascano says in his 2008 Guidelines. They could be out of date now, but this is what they say:
"FLUORESCENT IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION ASSAY (FISH)- This technique is also a form of blood smear. It is said to be 100-fold more sensitive than standard smears for B. microti, because instead of utilizing standard, ink-based stains, it uses a fluorescent-linked RNA probe and ultraviolet light. The Babesia organisms are then much easier to spot when the slides are scanned. The disadvantage is that currently only B. microti is detected." (page 23)
Everyone says that when you call Igenex, they are very nice and will answer any question you have. Just look them up at igenex.com
So, I really suggest that you call and ask. Then, you can share the answer with us all.
I have always been told that if the FISH finds babs in your blood, that is 100% proof that you have it.
However, there may not be any babs in the tiny blood sample that is put under that high-powered microscope, even though you have babs in your blood. If that happens, you can get a negative FISH even though you actually do have babs.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
Hi-- I had this and was negative, went to germany and was positive. Dr. H knew I was positive and treated me as so. Thus, I would not hang my hat on this test... if it is positive great in that you have more evidence but if not... you still may well have babs. I agree wholeheartedly with TF -- if the blood sample you provide doesn't have any there.... you are a false negative if you have it.
Hang in there... You will beat this!
Posts: 859 | From Southeast | Registered: Mar 2011
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Based on looking at the Igenex test request form, it appears that when you order the FISH for babs, it doesn't name the strain. It is just called babesia FISH.
That indicates that it will look for both microti and duncani.
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