posted
From my understanding PCR testing tends to be ineffective on lyme that has penetrated the system ( not a NEW infection) .
MDL (PCR ) testing indicated I did not have lyme. BUT Igenex tests did indicate lyme specifically .
Personally , I am not too sure how reliable PCR tests are for lyme.
There has been controversy in the past about Igenex . HOWEVER , a LOT of docs do seem to find them credible.
I have heard that almost everyone who gets a lyme test from Bowen Labs tests positive. I definitely know people who have had negative tests with Igenex .
posted
MDL accepts insurance, does certain kinds of tests.
Igenex does not accept insurance, but will provide a bill so a claim can be filed by patient. They do different tests than MDL.
No lab detects all cases of lyme. Please read Tom Grier's explanation of testing for the reasons. Also some related info in newby links.
Some doctors use several different labs, for this reason.
Igenex does have outside groups inspect, as does MDL, because they have to have govt CLIA approval.
We don't need to argue over which lab is best. We need more labs that are doing useful lyme testing, that really try harder to detect real cases. There are too many false negatives with most high volume labs like Quest, LabCorp, etc. I think that public discussions over labs used by this doctor or that one are troubling and provide ammunition to trolls who read this forum regularly.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
I'm not sure why, but my insurance never questioned the tests ordered by my out of network LLMD and sent to IgeneX. They were covered 100%.
The tests were positive for Lyme. The same LLMD then ordered tests from MDL, also completely covered by my insurance and the results were also positive WB's and mycoplasma penetrans.
I have Medicare HMO insurance which requires a primary care physician but I don't need a referral for an in-network doc. Go figure!
-------------------- DISCLAIMER: No information presented above should be considered medical advice or take the place of advice given by a medical professional. Links to other sites are provided merely for ease of research. Posts: 287 | From Tennessee | Registered: Sep 2006
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posted
I have read articles stating that PCR tests only catch thirty percent of lyme cases , and usually they are the EARLY cases . That was true in my case . It may not be true for everyone, however . Just sharing what I have read .
posted
My llmd used IgeneX - The FISH test they do for Babesia I feel saved my life...
-------------------- �Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.� - Ezre Taft Benson Posts: 655 | From NC, Exit 88 on the Deer SuperHighway | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
I second Lymied! FISH for Babesia from Igenex is the best. I was treated for only Lyme for 3 years before Dr. B found the Babs in me from Igenex. Why didn't my first doctors in NJ use Igenex and instead of only MDL? I don't know. But I do know it wasted my time for treatment and I am chronic now!
I must of had over 12 blood PCRs from MDL before it came up in my blood. I had it in a uirne pCR and a stomach tissue PCR from MDL. The blood just wouldn't show and this meant it was in the tissues. Unfortunately this meant the insurance delayed payment and treatment for IV.
If you think you have all the symptoms of Lyme and have had other questionable tests - most definitely use Igenex because they by far are the most accurate. I finally ended up getting a CDC positive Western Blot through them.
Posts: 238 | From Bethlehem, PA | Registered: Oct 2004
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HEATHERKISS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6789
posted
I was test with both labs at the same time. Igenex found the Lyme and MDL found the babs.
My husband was tested only with MDL Positive Lyme, babs and Myco.
Both labs are great.
Big plus for MDL is they take insurance. I don't know what the do to get paid from BCBS..........
As long as I don't have to pay I'm thrilled.
-------------------- HEATHER
Posts: 1974 | From ABERDEEN, NJ 07747 | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
Everyone is different. It is good that there are at least 2 labs which are trying their best to offer meaningful tests. Hubby has had numerous tests with both labs -- as he is seronegative he has gotten more meaningful info from the Immunosciences Serology for Lyme test than from IGeneX or MDL.
Immunosciences tests by a different method than either of the other 2 labs listed. Have heard that they are working on refining their testing further.
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