posted
Just wondered if PCR test are reliable at all. I have been igenex cdc igm positive years ago, but one of my doctors suggested the pcr test to see if I still have active lyme. Thanks for any help.
Posts: 146 | From Midwest | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
You don't ever NEED to do further testing for Lyme. You go by symptoms as to whether or not you still need treatment.
As for the PCR, IF it is POSITIVE, it's a homerun... but it COULD come back negative EVEN IF YOU STILL HAVE IT.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Ditto to LymeToo: "You don't ever NEED to do further testing for Lyme."
Best to go by your symptoms, and assessment of a very good LL doctor with a brain and lots of experience. A lot of this is just figure it out as we go further along the trail.
Be sure that possible other tick-borne and other chronic stealth infections &/or deficiencies are considered.
But there is no test that can show "no lyme" - as a stealth infection, it's just not like so many other infections / tests in that way. And, I also wonder about so many other tests that doctors think are just so very black & white. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Yeah, you don't need to do anymore testing.
What I have heard is that PCR testing will catch 77% of Lyme cases.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
I have heard a lower number than Robin has.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
I really do love (really do) how you all say - testing no longer needed- because it makes me feel empowered... for a second... and that is becasuse where i live NO dr believes this. they hold so tight to test results even though I had a huge EM rash lasting 6 months!
I went to a new network of drs the other day and she said pcr is better than Elisa, she also said it was a very reliable test. I didn't ask for percentages but sheis oging to base whether or not I have tulameria on that test result. . I was having a really dumb day , so I didn't question anything.
but, if this is better than elisa why don't they use it more?? and why don't I ever remember hearing about it?
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
so I had of course normal results fomr the lyme PCR. and the dr said it means I never had lyme ever. or it would have showed up. nice. haha .. ididn't bother to tell the ignorant dr
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
The PCR is valuable IF it comes back positive...that is like GOLD. But if it's negative it doesn't mean squat.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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TNT
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 42349
posted
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: The PCR is valuable IF it comes back positive...that is like GOLD. But if it's negative it doesn't mean squat.
Exactly. If PCR negative, you can still be infected. I personally have found it to be wrong more often than serum antibody testing. So, very unreliable.
But, live blood microscopy with darkfield or phase contrast is pretty reliable.... particularly if you do it the way we share on the "Microscopy Thread" by giving the RBCs time to degrade and the spirochetes time to come out.
Posts: 1308 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Oct 2013
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posted
Having said Dr state that the PCR is 'better than the Elisa" is first, not sayin much but further, really shows that she is not current on diagnosis/treatment, and a strong indicator that you need to move on. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, she likely doesn't even know she isn't current and I'm sure she has all the best intentions for your health. But, move on.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
yes, lymetoo, I resurrected it. hehe
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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TNT
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 42349
posted
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: (This is an old post)
quote:Originally posted by LisaK: yes, lymetoo, I resurrected it. hehe
A relevant topic, for sure!
Posts: 1308 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Oct 2013
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