Igenex test, yes or no?

Have you done any testing yet?

If so - what were the results?

What tests are you having done for $500?

If it's just Lyme - I would just do the WB IgM and IgG for $210

Hi LilyAZ -

I think pursuing testing depends on what you intend to do with the tests.

If you think you want antibiotic tx and /or insurance coverage for MD appts and/or treatment, a positive WB will likely be required.

If your intention is to pursue most other treatments, you don't generally need a positive test. Lyme is a CLINICAL diagnosis so positive tests are not required.

However, the tests are 50-75% inaccurate. So this requires some extra steps to produce the most accurate results you can get.

First, there are several reasons for the inaccuracies of the tests. You can read more about that here:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3916318&g=3916340#m3916340

So, an IGeneX is more accurate if you need a positive WB. IGeneX processes over 20,000 Lyme tests a year, and can adhere to a more specialized structure than the CDC regulations. IGeneX includes band 31 in their testing, and also offers 30-31kDa confirmation-these bands are often positive due to cross-reactivity with other viruses, and IGeneX uses highly specific recombination antigens to validate results. In addition, IgG needs only 2 bands present (instead of 5), and the IgM needs 2 (like the Western Blot).

So some people have luck with provoking a better immune response, which is what the tests are detecting in the body (not the microbe itself) so the tests are looking for antibodies. Sometimes boosting an immune response can trigger increased production of antibodies that the tests can pick up. This worked great for me - I used olive leaf extract for 5 wks before retesting and then got a CDC-positive IGeneX.

Also, the tests need to be interpreted correctly, due to the fact that they are based on the CDC's surveillance criteria, not what is necessary for diagnosing Lyme. Again, depending on the need for the test, you might need to augment results with an explanation of the surveillance criteria, band interpretation, clinical diagnosis, etc.

Hope that's helpful - if not, keep asking questions!

-p

Post Edited (Pirouette) : 9/23/2017 4:04:58 PM (GMT-6)

If you only need to confirm Lyme for yourself, I wouldn't bother with testing unless you can get insurance to cover it. You don't need a test in order to treat with herbal protocols.

Again, even if it is negative, you could still have Lyme. You need to clinically diagnose Lyme - the test is secondary and unnecessary. Here is a good questionnaire similar to what Lyme specialists use to diagnose:
Jernigan's symptom list:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3673749&g=3673789#m3673789

Antibiotics are only a part of effective Lyme treatment. They have worked well for me and many of us here - but its important to understand HOW to use them. It's not enough to take only antibiotics.

We talk about several different protocols used to treat but let us know if you would like some suggestions. Another member posted this very question today - so that might be a good discussion to join.

-p

Post Edited (Pirouette) : 9/23/2017 4:44:54 PM (GMT-6)

I went ahead and did the full IGenex battery probably cost me $500-600 I can't recall. Sometimes you can submit the info to your insurance and they may pay some -kinda depends on who reviews your claim. For me it was worth the money . I showed me a lot that I wasn't aware o;f co infections,prior exposure, to west nile, ebstein barr etc..... for me it was very thorough. But do I think that starting out with the basics like the WB IgM and IgG for $210 is a good place to start.