western blot question - Lyme Disease Message Board

zandvoort · 06-04-2007, 05:14 PM

Hi-

I went to a new neuro today and found out I have had a western blot test. He said ALL my bands were negative. Does that mean for sure I do not have lyme? Or are these tests suspect unless they go to a special lab like Igenex?
Thanks!

Writeart · 06-04-2007, 05:45 PM

Zandevoort, other people will be more knowledgeable on the subject than me, but I also got all negative bands on the Western Blot (not Igenex) and my doctor said I could still have Lyme. I did test positive for Babesia and Bartonella though, so he has evidence that I was bitten by a tick. (I have symptoms of Lyme.)

Writeart

ticker · 06-04-2007, 06:03 PM

Hi zandvoort. No Lyme test is completely reliable, and results can vary by lab. It is important to be tested by a Lyme lab such as IgeneX. They use more sensitive tesing and list more bands on the Western Blot.

The CDC requires several bands to be present on the Western Blot for it to be positive; however, many people who have Lyme do not have this many bands. Lyme doctors often look at which bands show, some are specific for Lyme.

I recommend that you be evaluated by a Lyme doctor. Most Lyme doctors use IgeneX for testing.