I had the Bowen test primarily as a first step because it was affordable. The research is new, yet seems to be able to take pictures of the Borrelia organism with a using a florescent dye under microscope.

I did receive a picture of an organism which was unique. Most folks that have taken this test will show a positive report for exposure to this pathogen due to these reasons, (i think).

This is where my information is a bit lacking.

1) they say the high rate of positives is due to the extremely large exposure to ticks in general, which makes sense as most people over their lifetime have been bitten at least once.

2) I know there are many species of ticks, yet, I"m assuming that Bowen is only detecting the ones that carry Lyme. If so, according to their statistics
plenty of people are infected.

Whether or not one becomes symptomatic depends a lot on the bacterial amount in your body and whether of not the immune system is able to fight it successfully.

Unfortunately, not many people these days are working to keep the immune defenses in best condition.

After the Bowen, I did have the Western Blot which does give a good bit more information , at least in my situation where I have chronic late Lyme( had it for many years ). That's when its likely to reveal antibodies.

Here is some brief information about both Bowen & IGENEX Labs.

The IGENEX Lab Western Blot IgG & IgM are $180 paid at the time the blood is submitted.

(If they have to bill you, the total price jumps to $360.)

The test can only be run 6 weeks or more AFTER your tick bite.

The results will show you all bands whether positive or negative bands. It gives a lot of specific information.

Insurance companies request the Western Blot test. But you don't want just any Lab to perform this test. That's the whole point of this reply.

You probably already know what I'm going to say about other Labs, but just in case I'll repeat it for other new readers.

Many new folks get excited that they were finally tested for Lyme Disease and return to tell us that Quest Labs did the testing.

Bad idea.

If Quest Lab does this test------it only looks for one band (band 31kda) & if it doesn't show up, then the test is considered negative.

This is to block patients from a correct diagnosis & treatment.

Even if you showed positive on the Quest, a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD) will

throw that out & start over with an IGENEX or BOWEN test------whichever they prefer.

The Bowen Lab is considered a research lab & require a $250 donation, plus overnight FED EX postage cost. (Our shipping was $45 from Texas to Florida)

The Bowen will test for Lyme, and Babesia & Erlichiosis.

First, I had a positive IGENEX Western Blot ordered by LLMD.

One year later, he ordered a Bowen to test for Babesia.

If you could get the test of your choice performed & at least a one-time visit with an LLMD,

they could get you started on antibiotics while waiting for test results.

If you read Dr. Burrascano's treatment guidelines you will see he recommends that patients with early infections get on Doxycycline IMMEDIATELY.

Anyway, does your college have a medical clinic. Do not go to them for diagnosis.

They will only refer you out to an infectious disease doctor. (Huge waste of money)

But later on after correct testing & a confirmed diagnosis of Lyme, your College Health Clinic might provide antibiotic REFILLS a little cheaper for you......just a thought.

(I say that----yet I don't even know if your college has a health clinic.)

Because you're still easily (most likely) treatable you can hang your diploma on the wall.

My college diploma is stashed under my bed--------useless. And I worked my way through school.

Untreated Lyme Disease brings nothing but strife to a person and anyone's life they touch. There's no peace with Lyme.

Take Care,
Jan

The Western Blot is a standard test for Lyme, though not all doctors will order the Western Blot from Igenex or MDL, which are the best labs to do an accurate test. However, the results are accepted by all Lyme doctors, and insurance companies and Social Security Disability will accept it. Insurance will almost always pay for at least a portion of the WB, and Medicare will pay for it.

Best of all is to find a good doctor, and do the test they recommend. Even with the best tests, it is possible to test negative and still be infected. A good Lyme doctor will know how to proceed.