posted
Does anyone know whether or not the Western Blot for Lyme that LabCorp is currently doing is comparable to the one that Igenix is doing? Is it as sensitive and should I trust it?
posted
I think most people will respond that Igenex is more sensitive, but I did test positive thru Labcorp.
Posts: 749 | From State full of ticks | Registered: Dec 2008
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BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
Igenex for sure.
they test for more lyme specific bands than labcorp
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
labcorp didnt even run a western blot because my Elisa was negative..even though a Dr specifically ordered the Western Blot.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
Labcorp does not test for all bands, but my doc says labcorps test is just as sensitive and is performed in the exact same manner as Igenex. I tested IGM CDC positive through labcorp on the 3rd WB.
If you have a LLMD then the results of your test shouldn't make a difference since LD is in fact a clinical diagnosis.
Also if you are going to have to pay out of pocket, Igenex is much cheaper, almost half as much. If you have ins, it should cover a WB done by labcorp.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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t9im
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25489
posted
My understanding from a sensitivity stand point, which is the same level for a positive band reading is they are the same.
BUT IgeneX has a few key diffenernces. 1) It tests bands 31 and 34 (or it could be 39, I forget) which are specific to Lyme.
2) It will provide the specific band readings (IF you do Labcor make sure you request the bands with the original paperwork or its difficult to obtain them afterwards).
3) IgeneX gives an overall positive with less bands.
CDC protocol is 5 positive bands to be considered positive.
-------------------- Tim Posts: 1111 | From Glastonbury, CT | Registered: Apr 2010
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Also if you are going to have to pay out of pocket, Igenex is much cheaper, almost half as much. If you have ins, it should cover a WB done by labcorp.
Igenex is cheaper??? And better? No brainer then!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
Definitely go with IGenex. When I was first bitten, I was tested via lab corp negative Elisa and neg on both IgM and IgG (think that is right) tired right now. Anyway, a month later, I was neg Elisa Neg IgG and positive IgM.
With Igenex I was positive across the board so I do think they are a more sensitive lab. IgeneX all the way!
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
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posted
I have always wondered about the lab my clinic used. Anyone ever hear of ARUP Lab in UT? It came back positive for IgG with bands 18, 30, 39, 41, 45, 58 and 66 and positive IgM with bands 23 and 41. If i came back positive with this lab, what if anything do you think would be different if it had been Igenix?
Posts: 48 | From Eden Prairie, MN | Registered: Feb 2010
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littlebit27
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24477
posted
I tested through mayo clinic not labcorp but I tested negative. I only had band 41 show up.
I then did the antibiotic challenge and re-tested through Igenex. I was positive through Igenex but CDC neg because of the bands that were positive.
I'm not sure if it was the antibiotic challenege or the fact that I tested through Igenex but I wouldn't trust a mainstream lab for tick testing.
Labcorp is supposed to be the best as far as the CD57 but all tick testing I would rather use Igenex.
At least this was what it said on my labcorp bill. Fortunately my ins paid for all 3 of my labcorp WB's.
I don't agree with some that labcorp is worthless; but if you want the added bands and if your doctor needs more bands to be willing to treat, then definetely go with Igenex.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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