After a recent RA diagnosis I grew suspicious of Lyme.

In early March my IGG Western Blot with Quest had reactive bands: 30, 41, 58 and 66. And was marked negative.

In late March my IGG with Igenex only showed 31++ and 41++ and states Indeterminate.

I tested only IGG because I've had pain, tingling, neck issues, etc for many many years, however, my IGM with Quest was positive for bands 23 and 41.

How did Quest pick up more bands than Igenex?

Igenex states my results are Indeterminate and I must spend another $105 for the 31 confirmation test...However, I already know I have HSV type 1, which can cause 31 and 41, correct? I have also done some research on possible links with HSV and Fibro, Chronic Fatigue, etc, all which I think I have.

I am so confused. I feel like my $105 was a waste, because yet again, I got no where and I don't want to waste another $105! I can not currently afford a lyme doc.

I agree with mm, and any further testing would be a waste of money.

I understand your frustration. Testing is horribly inaccurate.

We can help you with suggestions for treatment. Feel free to ask lots of questions.

Test results will change depending on what your body is going through at the time. A person can have a fully positive IgM with late stage Lyme, because the body is trying to produce the antibodies to fight the infection. An IgM reaction only means that the body is producing "new" antibodies to the bacteria - not necessarily an 'early infection'.

IgG is nothing more than a "later" response by the body. Those in the earliest stages of the disease may not produce these.

The testing is just picking up on the different parts of the bacteria that antibodies are being made for though. As MM said, band 23 is highly specific to Lyme, so there's no doubt you have it, as only Borrelia will create that antibody.

Band 31 has some controversy with it, as EBV can react on that same band, supposedly. So a conformation test can be done for those that need it.

At this point, it's up to you if you want more testing. If you need to have a positive test for your insurance to cover your treatment, then I would encourage you to get retested, and do some other things that can help provoke a stronger positive result in testing. But, also as MM said, most LLMD's don't take insurance. A good LLMD will diagnose you with those results or on a clinical basis.