Igenex Testing - what tests should i get?

I finally found a doctor on Long Island that is able to test me for Lyme disease through Igenex on Friday.
I know insurance doesn't cover testing with Igenex, so I wanted to know what blood tests through Igenex should I have the doctor order to can finally tell me if I have Lyme disease or not.
I called Igenex and they said I should get - LBP code - complete Lyme panel -it will cost $542.50 and then they said to also do code 5095 which is the complete Co-infection panel and that part would cost an additional $829.60, I am so confused on what I really need to give me a true result.
I did the regular Elisa and western blot with my primary doctor 2 years ago at a quest lab and the elisa came back equivocal/positive and the western blot had reactive band 41 IGM/IGG. I have so many symptoms of dizziness, tingling, numbness , heart palpitations etc that wont go away so that is why I am finally going to get tested through Igenex. I didn't want to spend so much money if all this testing wasn't needed.
Can someone give me guidance on what to tell the doctor to test me for with Igenex as I am going on Friday.

I wouldn't spend the money on the complete co-infection panel, it is even harder to catch the co-infections than it is Lyme.

I don't know what your financial situation is. There is also a test with a different company called conexxions testing which looks for Lyme DNA in your urine. Some here have gotten positives with that, where Igenex missed it. There is still a little controversy about this latter one.


But there are those in the medical field and insurance as you know, that are skeptical of IgeneX too.

I probably added to your confusion. Look up Conexxions just to get more information on making your decision.

We all want our money, no matter how much or little we have, to work it's best for us.

Post Edited (julymorning) : 3/21/2017 11:24:17 AM (GMT-6)

The Western blot through Igenex is a better test. It is more sensitive than the Quest one.

I believe it also tests for more bands...giving you a greater chance at a positive if you do have Lyme.
I've read that quest skips bands 31 and 34 - those two Igenex tests for and are lyme specific bands.

Igenex specializes in Tickborne illness testing. That is all they do.

Has anyone on this forum ever tested with one lab on the Western blot as negative and then went through IGenex with the Western blot test and it came back positive? Could that happen?

So if I am understanding from all the replies I should only do the standard Western blot for approximately $200 instead of expensive full panel and co-infection testing that IGenex told me to do when I called them . I guess I am just desperate after seeing so many specialist to finally get an answer of what is going on with my health

laurief said...
Has anyone on this forum ever tested with one lab on the Western blot as negative and then went through IGenex with the Western blot test and it came back positive? Could that happen?

I was tested via the Government test - it was a two tiered test - IFA first...if positive then WB.
Because the IFA was negative...they didn't even do the WB.

Then I tested with Igenex and got a positive.

Hi RichMat - welcome to our community.

I see that LaurieF has her email enabled. You could email her - just click on the envelope below her screen name on the left.


Also, you can contact me and I will check my LI list of LLMD's and send you names. Just email me and state in your email where you are seeking one.


You can also contact ILADS:

ilads.org/ilads_media/physician-referral/


We encourage all new members to read through the thread at the top of the page titled: "New to Lyme?..Start Here!" It's got a lot of useful information.

What test(s) are you having done through Igenex?

If funds are tight - the best bang for your buck is the Lyme Western Blot Igm and IgG - $210 total for both.

You're welcome, Rich.

The Western blot relies on our immune function to produce antibodies. When we have had lyme in our system for awhile - our immune function is suffering and sometimes just doesn't mount a response.

But, even if you don't test positive - there may be some positive lyme 'specific' bands that is indicative of lyme disease. It will back up your clinical diagnosis.

There are many members here who have had lyme disease go undiagnosed for many years...unfortunately.
But it's never too late to start treatment.