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Posted 4/4/2017 5:00 PM (GMT -5)
So I had the IGeneX test come back positive 31++ and 41++ which says indetermined. My doctor says bcuz my CD 57 is extremely low it is a confirmation of Chronic Lyme ( I have had ALL of the sx for 15-20 yrs) had a negative Elisa in 2002. Is the low CD 57 reliable for a confirmation? Thanx Bostongirl 1960
Posted 4/4/2017 5:20 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Bg1960

Welcome!

While IGeneX is superior than the other WB tests, its still fairly inaccurate and insensitive and the interpretation instructions provided w/ the tests are inaccurate. So, it may indicate "indeterminate" because you didn't register on 5 or more of the specific bands that it requires, but that doesn't mean you don't have the infection.

That's one reason why MDs are instructed by the CDC to utilize a clinical diagnosis as context for the test, and why some use CD57 levels. However, this isn't concrete, either. Low CD57 suggests your body is fighting something but mine have been low, stayed low, through 4 yrs of treatment. Your MD is probably interpreting your long-term symptomology as just important indicators of a Lyme issue than any testing.

Here is more info on CD57 that I thought was interesting:
www.publichealthalert.org/role-of-c3a-and-c4a-complement-proteins-in-chronic-lyme-disease.html

And a good discussion:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3662231&g=3662245#m3662245

Also -
Please read through "New to Lyme?" thread at the top of the page - has invaluable info as you're just starting out w/ your treatment. Glad you're here!

-p
Posted 4/4/2017 5:25 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome, Bostongirl!

Band 31 is lyme specific (except for a few viruses that can RARELY cross-react)

You can get an additional test done (you'd need to call right away while they still have your blood sample) and they can do a confirmation test on band 31.
If it shows positive for Bb - it will change your test result to Positive (from Indeterminate)


It depends on how important that positive test result is.
I think the test is $100.
Posted 4/4/2017 5:28 PM (GMT -5)
Girlie -
Hadn't thought about retesting - great suggestion. More people should know about that option.

-p
Posted 4/4/2017 5:30 PM (GMT -5)

Pirouette said...
Girlie -
Hadn't thought about retesting - great suggestion. More people should know about that option.

-p

It is on the test result sheet...but often we don't read all that - we just look for a positive/negative/IND result.

My husband had those two bands as well..and he wanted the test done...it was positive. even though he had a bullseye rash many, many years ago...and is married to me sad - he still wanted it done

I think of all I've seen on this forum there has been only one (maybe two) that I've seen come back negative.
Posted 4/4/2017 6:00 PM (GMT -5)
Had no idea it was on the results. Been awhile since I looked at mine, though. Yeah, I haven't heard too many people doing that but they should.

-p
Posted 4/4/2017 6:32 PM (GMT -5)
Thanx everyone! My doctor just informed me that she faxed IGenex a request to do further testing #488
Posted 4/4/2017 7:36 PM (GMT -5)

Bostongirl1960 said...
Thanx everyone! My doctor just informed me that she faxed IGenex a request to do further testing #488

Let us know when you get the results..okay?
Posted 4/4/2017 8:00 PM (GMT -5)

Girlie said...

Bostongirl1960 said...
Thanx everyone! My doctor just informed me that she faxed IGenex a request to do further testing #488

Let us know when you get the results..okay?

. YAY!
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