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Complete Lyme Panel - worth the money?

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Posted 6/1/2014 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
I'm counting down the days to my LLND for the Igenex test. Should I just get the Western Blot? What's the best value for my money. I don't have a lot of cash....but if it's important, i will do the complete panel...
Should i get the PCR, and IFA?

I can do West. Blot for approx. 200, or basic panel that includes IFA for 260, or complete panel which includes IFA and PCR for 475.
If I choose the complete, with the shipping, and Can $ exchange, it will be approx. $650.
If I just get the West. Blot...and it's negative....is it possible that the IFA or the PCR would give more information to indicate positive test? Or are they just supplemental information....
Thanks - don't want to pay more...but will if it's significant to my outcome.
Posted 6/1/2014 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Nope it's not worth the money. To me it's a waste of cash.

The #1 test is the igenex Lyme western blot and really that is all you need.

It's all or nothing... Either you have Lyme or you don't. The tests like PCR detect the Lyme DNA in your system. But you might be towards the end of treatment and have none of that left in you, but you still might have a few germs left. Or they might end up getting a sample that just doesn't have anything in it.

I think all you need is the western blot. But it's upto you if you have the money to spend for it. You could be using those resources for supplements or prescriptions.
Posted 6/1/2014 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks!

So, if I was to get a negative Western Blot...but a positive PCR, would the docs think it was significant to treat?

Or, is it not possible to get a positive PCR with a negative West Blot?
Posted 6/1/2014 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
No it is possible, perhaps in early infection. You raise a good point, PCR is better earlier on in infection when your body hasn't seroconverted the antibodies yet.

But ILADs treat based on clinical symptoms, not test results.

And yes if you had a negative western blot, positive PCR and symptoms they would treat.

How long have you been sick for?
Posted 6/1/2014 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I've been unwell for too long to be considered acute...

over 8 months at least...maybe a year depending on what symptoms I can attribute to Lyme.

So maybe forget the PCR.

Do you know what the IFA is...should I bother with that?
Posted 6/1/2014 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with the others. Full lyme panel is a waste of money. I do like PCR tests. Even if your body isn't making antibodies because your immune system is inhibited - it should pick up the PCR regardless of how long you've had the illness because the primers are for the bacterial DNA not an immune response.
Posted 6/2/2014 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Girlie,

I did the $260. My DR said the PCR is great when they get the proper sample. That's the issue. They might get a sample where nothing appears. It just didn't make sense for me to shell out the extra cash.

I thought/think it would show up on WB if I'm truly positive. I don't know though.... still waiting!
Posted 6/2/2014 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
So Leilex - for $260 - you got the Western blot and something called IFA?
Do you know what the IFA is?

I have decided I won't get the PCR...but if my ND says I should - then I may change my mind.
Posted 6/2/2014 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
i paid for 475 for the complete lyme panel , i thought it was a good use of MY money. It gave me more info! :)
Posted 6/2/2014 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
IFA is a quantitative test that measures the amount of lyme antibody.
Posted 6/2/2014 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
So, is it worth it to pay for the IFA? Anyone?
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