Which test to have done through IGENEX

Need to have my daughter tested again (she is showing some signs and since four out five of us in our house have been positive think she should be tested again) but I have forgotten which ones I need to get.

I am thinking just the
188 Lyme Western Blot IgM
189 Lyme Western Blot IgG

I don't think we need the whole 5010 panel (that also starts to get a little pricey). I am thinking we just needed the 188 and 189 or do we need the whole 5010 for it to be accurate which also includes:

Lyme PCR-Serum and Lyme PCR-Whole Blood

I don't quite understand the difference - I know after all these years of having Lyme I should be more "educated" but really I am not (shame on me!) I was looking through our old test results where I think i paid for the full panel and I don't see anything that shows the PCR serum and whole blood results. A little confused.

Thanks for your assistance. Blessings to all!
Leah

PCR tests look for actual Lyme DNA
The WesternBlot tests look for antibodies (IgM and IgG) that your immune system has generated to fight the Lyme bacteria

Since Lyme prefers tissue rather than blood, the PCR test may be less helpful. However, PCR results that are positive are nearly irrefutable, and more likely to be accepted by IDSA-following MD's.

If I were trying to save money but at the same time wanted to figure out if I had Lyme, I'd go for the IgG and IgM WesternBlot tests (188 & 189) first. Then, depending on the results and the attitude of the doctor, I might or might not persue further tests.

Good luck,