Hi Ticker,
Can you help me understand this a little bit better? The lab was L*B*C**P. Since there were no Bands that were marked anywhere, does this look like it should be pursued further?? Does it look Negative?? Since insurance won't pay, I am at a lost as to weather or not I should move forward with Igenex testing. My rheummie said it was negative and that was it! Thanks in advance for any help.
I have the lab form and here is what it sais:
Lyme Ab/western blot reflex
Lyme IgG/IgM AB < 0.91 Index 0-0.90
negative <0.91
equivocal 0.91-1.09
positive >1.09
Lyme disease Ab, Quant, IgM <0.91 (same normals as above)
it doesn't say anything about bands or anything else. Does this look completely negative?? I was a little concerned because of my symptoms and history, but am torn as to weather it would make sense to pursue it.
Hi Kelley. The ELISA or titer test usually gives a numerical value such as your result. This is the least realiable test, and the one most doctors run first.
The Western Blot lists a series of numerical bands with a + - or IND after each one. I do not see these results here.
It is very important to be tested by a Lyme lab such as IgeneX. They use more sensitive testing and list more bands on the Western Blot. Be aware that no test is completely reliable, and many people who have Lyme test negative. The CDC requires several bands to be present for the test to be positive; however, many people who have Lyme do not have this many bands. Lyme doctors often look at which bands are present. Some are specific for Lyme.
I highly recommend getting tested at IgeneX. Make sure you get a copy of your results.
My internist said today that I should have a Lyme test. What test should I request to make sure I have a test that is worth the cost? I wonder if it will be a hassle to request it go to the lab you mentioned?
Kelley - and I thought lupus was an iffy, confusing problem to nail down! Lyme has it beat, I think!
Thanks in advance! Big storm coming, so will sign off....
Linear Mode
