Pirouette said...
Per the awesome interview with Dr Leslie Douglas of DNA Connexions in the link k07 and The Dude Abides shared:
DNA Connexions is a PCR test that looks for the DNA of various microbes.
Coinfections
35-40% of ticks carry coinfections in addition to Lyme that can also be transmitted through the bite. One of the benefits is that the test includes multiple coinfections as well as Lyme - they also run:
- 3 Borrelia strains (including 4 different genetic regions and species - OspA, OspB, OspC and flagella regions - which makes it conclusive for Lyme)
- 3 Babesia strains
- 3 Bartonella strains
- Erlichia
- Anaplasma
(and you can request others - check out webstite)
Also - I thought this was VERY interesting - before you send in your test I would call the lab and ask them for a recommendation for any additional coinfections you might test for, based on what is showing up in people in YOUR geographical region or the region in which you were infected.
A couple methodologies and checks-and-balances that help increase accuracy:
- The test exponentially amplifies target region of DNA - so not only does it literally magnify whatever is there so that it's easier to detect but it avoids the whole immunological challenge in order to significantly reduce false negatives.
- There are two long primers for each reaction--which means it increases sensitivity and specificity.
- And all positive and negative samples are run in duplicate.
- And their enzymes have a "proof reading" mechanism that is conducted before the Lyme sample is run.
- Then after the Lyme sample, various series of DNA sequencing is run by a 3rd party
Before you test:
To get the most comprehensive sample, you want to "stir the pot" so it's recommended that you exercise in order to release microbes from the joint areas, where they like to congregate and/or get a massage, which helps release them from tissues and get the into the blood stream and moved throughout the body. And then collect the 2nd urine sample produced about an hour later.
One complaint I have about that recommendation, although it makes a lot of sense for the functionality of the test ---how many Lyme & Co sufferers are capable of exercise??? I still couldn't tolerate deep massage - not even close. So this doesn't serve a portion of patients.
Also, I am calling the lab tomorrow to ask a few questions about my experience and the questionable response I had so if the responses are of significance, I'll share here.
New vs chronic
However, the test will not indicate a new/active or recent or historical infection. And due to their process of re-running tests after treatment, it's unlikely that you will always create a positive result after, say, six months of successful treatment.
Timing
It still is assumed to take the Bb awhile to disseminate into the blood tissues so it's not always advised to test immediately after infection. But it wasn't clear if it's the same 4-6 wk wait.
Send them the tick
They can also test the ticks - not sure if there is a cost.
Ordering
You can order it yourself online or ask your MD to. The cost is $500 per test and results take 3-4 wks, generally (but you should call and check what the wait is). When I did the test at the beginning of 2017 it was an extra $150 for a 7-day rush.
Other tests
They also do an oral panel, which includes 88 microbes, fungal and parasites, and genotype tests that include gluten sensitivity and celiac DNA tests, and trouble removing heavy metals, and Alzehimer's risk factor test.
-p
Please do share what the lab says because I too was fully negative. I keep thinking of testing again.
You mention that they may be able to test for additional microbes? I was not aware of that. I would love to add RMSF & Brucella to the test list.