Due to recommendations by the FDA, all positive or equivocal Bb antibody EIA (screening) tests will be followed
by the Western Blot. The screening test for Bb has a low predictive value for a negative result when used to detect
early infection and a low predictive value for a positive result when exposure history, symptoms and clinical findings
are not consistent with Lyme Disease. Positive or equivocal results should not be interpreted as true positives
until a second-step testing of the specimen is done using a method that is more specific for antibodies
to Bb (e.g. western blot).
~~~~~~~
If I understand it correctly, they checked for some antibodies but didn't do a western blot?
What test is a Bb antibody EIA? Is this test worth the paper it was printed on?
My son & I have the same blood work scripts (among other tests). Do I just figure they're a waste of time?
So many questions, so few answers.
Geri -
Posts: 151 | From Kingston NY | Registered: Nov 2008
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
It appears the doc did an ELISA test. (EIA and ELISA are the same thing. These acronyms stand for "Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay")
It is a so-called lyme screening test. If it comes back positive or equivocal, then the doc is allowed to order the real lyme test which is the Western Blot.
That is what is meant on your test result by the reference to the "FDA recommendations" etc.
Here is what Burrascano says in his lyme treatment guidelines regarding the usefulness of the ELISA screening test:
The suggestion that two-tiered testing, utilizing an ELISA as a screening tool, followed, if positive, by a confirmatory western blot, is illogical in this illness. The ELISA is not sensitive enough to serve as an adequate screen, and there are many patients with Lyme who test negative by ELISA yet have fully diagnostic western blots. I therefore recommend against using the ELISA. Order IgM and IgG western blots- but be aware that in late disease there may be repeatedly peaking IgM's and therefore a reactive IgM may not differentiate early from late disease, but it does suggest an active infection." (p. 7)
So, see if you can get the doc to order Western Blots for you instead.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
If he don't have symptoms why did he test?
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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posted
- Our new PCP ordered it because DH spends lots (& I mean LOTS!) of time in the woods, hiking & mountain biking.
Doc is my Mom's Dr & she lives in an area high in LD. He frequently sends her for testing as a precaution.
(She works with a rescue group and has feral cats hanging out at her house.) Much better than our old duck's office.
When I was bitten, they insisted I wait a week before seeing me, then sent me for testing right away.
It was negative! No surprise.
They wouldn't send me for a test a few weeks later when I asked them to test me.
2 months later I had neuro Lyme & spent a month in the hospital.
At least Doc is trying to be proactive.
Geri -
Posts: 151 | From Kingston NY | Registered: Nov 2008
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Quest was terrible for me. Could not even identify
what band I had. This was last year. I would go
with Igenex but I would also challenge first. That
is just me.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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