What tests are performed to diagnose lyme? I called my PCP to find out what test they used for when then sent my bloodwork. The nurse kind of held back her laugh and said "lyme is Lyme, there is only one test." I said What about ELISA, and the western blot. Her response was, "Western Blot is only for HIV, not lyme." She didn't know what the ELISA was.

Am I wrong for questioning? I asked what Lab it was sent to. They said Quest Laboratories. They did not want to do the Lyme test in the first place. Since I pay out of pocket, I demanded it.


I have had a variety of symptoms over the past few years and wanted to rule that out, but now I am not feeling confident that it was taken seriously.
Some of my symptoms are listed in some recent posts. It probably isn't lyme,
but sometimes you just don't know.

My daughter was ill last year with Mono like symptoms. Cervical Lymph ( nodes swollen, etc. Her infectious disease doctor ran a gamet of tests and she came back positive for cat scratch disease. (Only she had no cat scratches) The doctor said they had found some bands of lyme, but not eneogh to call that her problem. That was one reason I though it may have something to do with my problems. My PCP looked at me like I was crazy for thinking that.

Any advice or comments on any of this would be appreciated. Unlike my PCP, I like to listen to all posibilites :confused:

jester,

I was recently tested for "Lyme" and it is tested through blood work. It is listed as just that (Lyme) on the lab results. It's either negative or positive. If you feel you have symtoms than you have every right to ask for the test. I would have probably done the same thing.

The ELISA test you spoke of, I believe is a early detection test for HIV.

I always believe it's better to be safe than sorry and if your doctor is not willing to listen to your concerns, perhaps it's time to change doctors. No question is ever wrong in my book.

Take care,
VaOutCast