posted
I am unsure if I have Lyme, want to be extra careful and get the Igenex test. I am concerned about Dr who treats Lyme, partly owning the Igenex lab and the accuracy of the test results. Have people gotten negative results/no band from Igenex? I want to be treated if I do have Lyme but I have stomach issues and want to avoid treatment if I don't need it.
Posts: 3 | From santa barbara, ca | Registered: Jun 2009
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Tick Specialty Labs: Too Many Positive Findings? They Save Lives By James S., MD, MAR, PA, DABPN, DABFM
I asked Dr. Harris, from the internationally respected, IGeneX labs, to reply to the dubious comment that IGeneX "only has positive findings."
This is not valid for many reasons. First, many physicians using IGeneX get negative results. Further, IGenex has done quality assurance studies with appropriate negative findings in uninfected controls. And the company, as you can see below, has done a great deal to be certified and licensed.
The "all results are positive comment" is lazy, sloppy and uninformed. Lyme is the leading vector illness in the USA. A positive result should not be rare. *********
IGeneX, Inc. is a reference laboratory located in Palo Alto, California specializing in Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. We take pride in the quality and diversity of the testing that we perform on samples from around the world.
IGeneX is licensed by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and is strictly regulated by CLIA. We are licensed in all states, including California, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida where special licensing is required.
The laboratory is inspected by these state and federal agencies on a regular basis. A Ph.D. consultant is also used to ensure that our laboratory is current with all the compliance regulations.
IGeneX participates in all proficiency programs required, such as New York State. Independent specialty laboratories, such as IGeneX, who have a narrow focus in testing, typically are not certified by CAP, but we do participate in the CAP Proficiency programs.
IGeneX has been testing clinical samples for over 11 years. The staff consists of a Laboratory Director, an MD Clinical Consultant, and several other MDs who also are licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientists who manufacture and perform tests.
The personnel responsible for the test quality and performance are all licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientists, most of whom have been with IGeneX for many years.
Our Research team is comprised of qualified PhDs and MDs and experienced Research Associates.
Customer Service is our main goal and the office staff is always willing to assist our patients and physicians. We take pride in our trained personnel that have worked together for years.
IGeneX is continually working on the advancement of existing tests. In addition, IGeneX is committed to designing and researching new technologies and opportunities.
Our goal is to give Lyme patients and their physicians state-of-the-art tools for diagnosis of Lyme and other tick-related diseases. --------------
[Steve Andison Comment] The Federal Center for Disease Control periodically ships identified samples of what they know to be positive and negative samples to IGeneX to determine the accuracy of their testing procedures.
Their accuracy rate for both positives and negatives is unsurpassed by any facility in the United States and with their state-of-the-art techniques and equipment, they may be the most accurate lab for diseases carried by ticks.
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
Welcome to LymeNet.
There are lots of discussions here in the archives about IgeneX and whether all the results are positive. Many have had negative results. You can search for the discussions by clicking on the search button located in the upper 1/3 of the page.
Lyme is a clinical diagnosis. You can be seronegative and still have lyme disease. The test results are helpful but not the be all - end all for diagnosis. That is one big reason why we need to see an ILADS trained LLMD.
Unlike other labs, IgeneX tests all the appropriate bands (doesn't leave some of the most important for chronic lyme patients out) and they test several strains.
If you are seeing who I think you are, he is a good doctor. Ethical too.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
I just got an all neg test result. I'm very discouraged about it too. My Dr still believes this is Lyme. He wants me to treat for at least 4 months and then reevaluate.
I hope he's right cause I don't know where else to look.
-------------------- Sofi Posts: 150 | From Northern California | Registered: Jun 2009
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
My friend just got his results back from Igenex a couple days ago, all negative.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Last I heard Igenex has a 65% positive average on the testing. To me that is fair because most people going to igenex were sent there by their LLMD who already suspected or diagnosised Lyme. My WB was negative through igenex but the LUAT and PCR were positive.
Posts: 649 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2003
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
Some LLMD's give antibiotics for awhile and this can convert a negative into a postive. I had more IgM show up with an abx challenge.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
I had a positive CDC test before antibiotics. Bands #23 & #41.
After 6 weeks of abx, tested with IGENEX, IGG NEGATIVE and IGM technically tested negative with band #41++ and #31 as an IND, which is always interpreted as a weak positive.
I was under treatment for over 8 months, and I definitely HAD lyme.
At the end of my treatment I retested and it came back the very SAME results. Go figure.
Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
It is not uncommon to have different bands show up with each testing. I was told that this can be caused by antigenic variability.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote:Originally posted by TerryK: Welcome to LymeNet.
There are lots of discussions here in the archives about IgeneX and whether all the results are positive. Many have had negative results. You can search for the discussions by clicking on the search button located in the upper 1/3 of the page.
Yes! Please find these lengthy discussions!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Every LLMD I've talked to (six to date) said that Igenix is THE lab for the Lyme test. My kid tested positive on a couple of bands last August, then got a negative this past week after months of treatment.
One thing you might consider is that you may have one of the other TBDs in stead of or in addition to Lyme. Babesia, bartonella, erlichosis are some examples. Many of the symptoms overlap.
As for the stomach issues, talk to your LLMD about it. It could actually be a symptom of the illness. The doc can also work out therapy that is less harsh on the stomach.
Best Wishes,
Lymepool
Posts: 170 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jun 2008
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Igenex is a legit laboratory. They've passed a variety of state inspections and are approved by Medicare.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
I only had a 41+++ and a few IND on my testing.
I had three done in total and everytime different IND's showed up but they were all with the ** so they were Lyme bands.
I have had 23, 31, 34, 39 all show up IND in various tests.
On every WB I have had even after long term abx I have only ever had the 41 come up positive.
Posts: 343 | From North Carolina | Registered: Oct 2008
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