LymeNet Flash: Quest Diagnostics Lyme PCR test?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Quest Diagnostics Lyme PCR test?

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Topic: Quest Diagnostics Lyme PCR test?

yanivnaced
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13212

posted

My wife had her annual physicals and her primary care doctor gave an Rx for a Lyme PCR test at Quest.

Is this test any good?

A bit of history on my wife - she was quite sick with Lyme years ago but has since recovered and is generally fine. But she does have a few episodes of fatigue each year. That's why her doctor is sending her to Quest.

Any opinions would be welcome!

Posts: 655 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

It should be ... However, with the PCR, if it's negative, you could still have Lyme.

If it's positive, you have it for sure.

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

norin
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 52378

posted

I would rate the test as just okay. A number of years ago, my LLMD rx'd one for me, which I got, along with Igenex IGG & IGM. In her recorded findings, I got tickled because I could tell by her tone she hadn't read both tests before making the recording -

LLMD: "Your Lyme is fine, the PCR is negative and Igenex... Uh, it might be positive, you need to come back in when you can."

Lesson Learned: If you can afford the Igenex, do it.

Suggestion: If wife's main complaint is fatigue, ask her to have her Dr. test EBV. Mine is always higher during bouts of fatigue.

All the best!

Posts: 487 | From Texas | Registered: Jun 2021 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

Cytomegalovirus should also be checked.

I would go with the Igenex WB myself.

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

Garz
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 52095

posted

PCR of blood sample for lyme is known to be insensitive

studies say only around 40% sensitivity - so possibly a bit better than the typical first tier ELISA and maybe only similar to western blot

the main reason is the very low levels of spirochetes normally in the blood of infected persons ( it lives in the tissues)

PCR of infected tissue is much better - eg skin or biopsy - but this is rarely done

Posts: 245 | From UK | Registered: Feb 2020 | IP: Logged |

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