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Which Quest Test to Get?

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 12/27/2014 9:36 PM (GMT -5)
Before anyone panics, I know the IGeneX is the way to go but my insurance is covering labs 100% so if I can get detected from a Quest lab for free then great, it'll save me $200 that I don't have.

But I'm not sure which test to get, there are a few:

Think the Western blot is the way to go? Would any of these test for co-infections? It doesn't look like it. I'm able to get as many as I need so if you've had experience in this area throw 'em all at me. Only 6 months left on my parents insurance then I'm not sure what I'll have after that so I'm trying to get everything done ASAP.

Thanks!
Posted 12/27/2014 9:40 PM (GMT -5)
I got the Western Blot done - but with Igenex.

I had the IFA done initially by a different lab, and it was negative. I heard later that there is a high percentage of false negatives with the IFA.

I don't know what the Immunoblot is.
Posted 12/28/2014 6:46 PM (GMT -5)
Quest is actually the worst lab to use, can you use Labcorp? Some can still get a positive through Labcorp when they have done the abx challenge.
Posted 12/28/2014 7:55 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Traveler.....can you please describe what an antibiotic challenge is. I was tested through Igenex and they requested that I not be on any antibiotic for at least three weeks before testing. I only tested ind for bands 41 and 83-93 (IGM) and positive for band 41 and ind for band 39 on (IGG). I do have a LLMD and was wondering if I should try antibiotics for a few weeks then retest. i'm currently just using Byron White protocol. I'd love to believe that I don't have lyme but i have so many of the symptoms and have been tested for everything else under the sun!
Posted 12/28/2014 8:43 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Tennisgal,
An abx challenge is when you take abx for about 6 weeks, then stop for the 3 weeks necessary for testing. This is what many LLMD'S do to help their patients get a positive test. The tests rely on the immune system responding to the bacteria by producing antibodies, but the Lyme bacteria inhibits the immune system so it doesn't produce many of those antibodies, so by using abx the immune system recognizes the "invaders" and starts producing antibodies, which the test recognizes.

But, with your test results you shouldn't need any more testing. Especially when you have symptoms. Any LLMD worth having should recognize the test results and your symptoms and diagnose you and get you started on treatments.

Who has you on the Byron White protocol? Do you wish to change doctors?
Posted 12/28/2014 9:08 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the explanation Traveler. It makes sense. My LLMD has me on Byron White A-L complex for now. He is definitely willing to prescribe antibiotics but I've only seen him twice and my next appointment isn't until January. He is in solo practice and with the holidays my appointments have been spread out. I'd like to get a more definitive test result other than the "ind" bands from the first test. I'll talk to him about doing the abx challenge in January. If I wouldn't have experienced it firsthand, I would have had a hard time believing everyone's comments regarding how dismissive the mainstream docs are when you have a negative blood test. I have terrible neuro symptoms but they wouldn't even entertain Lyme disease.
Posted 12/28/2014 9:19 PM (GMT -5)
Actually, the Byron White protocol will work for the abx challenge.

And you should be aware that your IND results are showing that you are having a response, just not a strong enough one to be considered "fully positive". A good LLMD will still treat with those results and your symptoms.
Posted 12/28/2014 10:42 PM (GMT -5)
I unknowingly had my internist run blood work after seeing the article on Debbie Gibson and realizing that the strange thing I had 16 months prior was a bullseye. They were run through Quest. When the results came back my concierge Dr told me I had been exposed to Lyme in the past. I pay this moron a premium for his services.
Posted 12/29/2014 10:35 PM (GMT -5)
LabCorp isn't part of my network unfortunately, they did a deal with Quest instead it looks like.

My appointment is tomorrow. Out of the options available do you think Western blot is the best?

Also how much is the Western blot from IGeneX and what's that process like? You get blood drawn at a Dr's office and then they send it off to them or something? I may just start saving up some cash to do that, I read it was close to being $200?
Posted 12/30/2014 11:26 AM (GMT -5)
I would tell you to be prepared to see a negative result (they don't use the right testing medium), but get a copy of the results. If you get the WB, the bands that you tested positive or IND for should be reported. If you share them here, we can explain what they mean.

Yes, the basic WB from Igenex costs about $200 I believe.
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