Marty Ross Evaluates Different Lyme Tests

In my constant search for what tests are actually useful and which are not, I came across this from Dr. Marty Ross. It's probably been posted plenty of times before, but thought it couldn't hurt to leave it anyway.

I'm waiting for a large group of tests to come back from Igenex, so understanding which are good and which are not, according to at least him, is something I am interested in and maybe others will be, also.

I was surprised by some of his thoughts, and not so surprised on others. For instance, he gives ELISA and IFA antibody tests an F. No surprise there, as most all of us do. He gives the Immunoblot Using Synthetic Proteins test an A-, he best he gave. For Immunoblot using Western Blot Method, he gives a B-. PCR test, he believes is a C because of low sensitivity. The only reason he doesn't give it a D is because if it is positive, he writes there's no doubt it is positive.

It's all there to look at in link. I have tried to "link the link," but am not sure I succeeded. If not, just take out the brackets and URL on each side, then copy and paste. Or maybe someone will step in and link it knowing I'm not adept at this on Healing Well But,,, I tried. Link below

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/best-lyme-tests]

Post Edited By Moderator (Girlie) : 10/19/2022 6:38:20 PM (GMT-7)

“ For instance, he gives ELISA and IFA antibody tests an F. No surprise there, as most all of us do. He gives the Immunoblot Using Synthetic Proteins test an A-, he best he gave. For Immunoblot using Western Blot Method, he gives a B-. PCR test, he believes is a C because of low sensitivity. The only reason he doesn't give it a D is because if it is positive, he writes there's no doubt it is positive.“

That’s in-line with my llmd and my previous LLND go on.

I did a pcr test in 2014 or 2015 (can’t remember) after I had been treating Lyme and Bart for awhile (over a year) at a lab in Ontario.
I was positive for Bart.
It was something like $100 for the test so I decided to do it.
It came back positive -
Awhile later after plateauing I went to Dr j.
He treated me for Babesia - and then Bart (all the while with Lyme)
And I went from still feeling unwell/sick to going back to work and living life again

The way he explains all so simply is what makes it so good, as Garzie mentions. And I think you’re right about the CDC criteria - believe he is discounting that in final results.

Positive by PCR told a story for you, Girlie. No doubt there. And agree this should be a main read for people, Lyme, so they understand testing better.

My concern is if immunoblot comes back positive but PCR negative. Making sure about cross reactivity with Sjogrens, which no doubt I have, is not giving false positive Lyme or Bart. If one of those is pushing the Sjogrens, praying treating would help.

Lymie24 said...
I almost feel like Marty Ross's website should be stickied at the top of the forum or something. His online guide is a freaking treasure trove of free information nicely laid out. Of course, his word shouldn't be used as dogma. LLMD's do disagree, but, his website is an amazing place for Lyme newbies, vets, and people who just want to learn more to gather a bunch of great information.

I am a former patient of his (I was seeing him telemed during pandemic in 2021)But he does a FREE weekly Q&A webinar, it is currently on Thursdays @ 7:00 est, but he is thinking about changing soon to Wednesdays.

Post Edited (sdarrah) : 10/20/2022 2:14:00 PM (GMT-7)

He was great

running wild said...
I didn't know about the webinars. Thanks for information. And the main reason I am having tests by PCR is because of what you wrote, Garzie. If it is positive, then I know it's positive. Also doctor ordered immunoblot for each test, as well. I couldn't afford it if Medicare didn't cover. My doctor thinks the Lyme and Bart are pushing the Sjogren's more. At this point, it's worth a shot.

yeah. that makes sense to me too.
only problem is teh poor sensitivity of PCR of blood for lyme (sensitivity of around 50% for blood ) - and bart ( less than 50% - maybe 25-30% if enrichment methods - like culture then PCR are not used)

still if the cost are mostly covered - and there is even a chance it will give a definitive positive result - i would say go for it.

good luck RW!