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Posted 9/26/2016 7:33 PM (GMT -5)
This probably sounds silly but here it goes...
I asked my doctor to sign for IGeneX testing. She was not happy. I'm the third person in a week...blah, blah, blah. Eventually she offered to request Western Blot through our medical system. Is there anything IGeneX is looking for that this might not show? I was in need of the 188&189. I wish I could remember what the tag said on the tube. It seemed to represent the two but my brain is toast and I really don't know. Argh.
Posted 9/26/2016 7:44 PM (GMT -5)
She should have order both -ELISA & WB-....I don't understand why they are so stubborn on this issue....
Posted 9/26/2016 7:53 PM (GMT -5)
Hi msdisagnosed.

Igenex is a private lab that tests for Lyme and Co, their testing is more specific with their testing for bands for Lyme. It is a more accurate test than the Western blot. You could test with the Western Blot, see what happens and if it is negative and you still not want answers order an Igenex test, you can do that through an LLMD, or any Doctor willing to sign off on one. It does cost money though. I believe $210. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
Posted 9/26/2016 10:12 PM (GMT -5)
Labcorp and Quest are not as reliable on the western blot as Igenex and that is why so many people go to Igenex for the lyme testing.

However... if you get a good positive western blot from Labcorp or Quest so much the better!!!

If you get a negative and want a better test, you will have to invest in Igenex. Sorry.

The second scenario is what happened to me and many others.

On and yes, it is $210 for 188 and 189.
Posted 10/8/2016 10:32 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you! Sure enough. Negative. Now I'm trying to find a doctor that will support my request for a blood draw to send to iGeneX. I have the kit. Why does this have to be so difficult?! And why doesn't the CDC just accept the fact Lyme needs to enter the mainstream medical field?! Sorry....just venting.

CDC criteria require >=5 bands for IgG or >=2 bands for IgM
for the Immunoblot to be considered positive. Bands
(e.g.,p41) may be detected in patients without Lyme
disease, and patterns not meeting the CDC criteria should
be interpreted with caution.
Posted 10/8/2016 10:54 PM (GMT -5)
Just curious, does anyone actually test negative when they go to Igenex?
Posted 10/9/2016 12:54 AM (GMT -5)

evianangel said...
Hi msdisagnosed.

Igenex is a private lab that tests for Lyme and Co, their testing is more specific with their testing for bands for Lyme. It is a more accurate test than the Western blot. You could test with the Western Blot, see what happens and if it is negative and you still not want answers order an Igenex test, you can do that through an LLMD, or any Doctor willing to sign off on one. It does cost money though. I believe $210. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

The Igenex test most of us get is also a Western Blot. IgM and IgG
Posted 10/9/2016 12:57 AM (GMT -5)

Lymepilot said...
Just curious, does anyone actually test negative when they go to Igenex?


Yes, often. It's like we've hit the jackpot when we test positive.

...and CDC positive? Well that's a badge of honor...hehe.
(it sounds strange to 'want' a lyme diagnosis...but really when you've been sick for a long time...going from Doctor to Doctor...and no diagnosis...it often is a welcome diagnosis. it was for me...after going to specialists...including a Neurologist to rule out MS and ALS...)


But, even if it's negative...if there are lyme specific bands...then it's indicative of lyme disease.


The regular Dr.'s often say "Everyone who tests through Igenex tests positive" That is NOT true....
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