posted
I'm wondering what diagnostic tests to start with. I called Igenex to find out prices of test "packages" (I'll be paying OOP). Having not been tested yet, idk definitively whether I have Lyme or not; however, I'd bet my life savings that I do, given the vast number of symptoms I have. (If I don't, then I've got a lot of work ahead of me to figure out what's wrong.)
I'll list the test packages available w/ details and cost for those who may not be familiar. I'm torn between getting the cheapest because idk for sure that I even have it yet, and getting the most expensive so I'm not paying for duplicate tests if I do indeed have it. Does that make sense? Thoughts/advice? Here are the tests:
#4090 Basic Lyme Panel $275 Includes: Western Blot IgG & IgM, Lyme IgG/IgM/IgA Screen (IFA)
#5010 Initial Lyme Panel $430 Western Blot IgG & IgM, Lyme PCR-Serum, Lyme PCR-WB
#6050 Complete Lyme Panel $499 Western Blot IgG & IgM , Lyme IgG/IgM/IgA Screen (IFA), Lyme PCR – Serum, Lyme PCR – WB
Posts: 112 | From USA | Registered: May 2016
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posted
My parents are willing to pay for this one -- I'm going to see if there's some way to get a discount, but they're willing to pay for whichever test makes the most sense.
Posts: 112 | From USA | Registered: May 2016
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Jordana
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45305
posted
You can just get the basic panel. PCR isn't very accurate anyway. All you need to see is one Lyme specific band on the western blot and you'll know.
Posts: 2057 | From Florida | Registered: Feb 2015
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posted
Right .. if the PCR comes back positive, you are "home free." But if it's negative, you could still have Lyme.
The WB bands are the most reliable way to know.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581
posted
If you haven't yet been tested, why not start with a commercial lab like LabCorp? I actually tested positive with them for Lyme and babesia and insurance covered it. So it does happen from time to time.
(Tested positive twice in fact thru LabCorp because idiot then-PCP didn't believe the first test and ordered a 2nd. But I digress..)
Just make sure the order is written for the Western Blot even if the ELISA is negative. If it has the word "reflex" in it, it's wrong.
You can always follow up with Igenex later. And if you don't need Igenex, you can put the $ towards treatment, which isn't covered either.
Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011
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If you qualify as low income, www.lymetap.com will cover 75% of IGeneX testing.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
i had the Basic Panel, was +, happy i didn't do the more elaborate panel but i did wish i had done the co-infections.
You have likely figured this out but, if you have Lyme there is a high likelihood of having co-infections, and if this is the case, you won't get well without treatment for these as well.
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