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Igenex test kit - questions (update at bottom 04-08-15)

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Posted 3/11/2015 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
To those of you who've worked with Igenex.... can someone explain to me how the test kit ordering process works? I can call and order it myself, correct? It doesn't have to be ordered by a doctor, the doctor just has to sign off on the form and be willing to receive the results, correct???

What I'd like to do is a complete lyme & coinfections test, PCR based, which is what Igenex does (I think?).

I'm looking at the Igenex website and the "patient test request form".

link - http://igenex.com/files/PATIENT_TEST_REQUEST_FORM.pdf

How do you know which boxes to check on the form? I certainly don't want to let my doc check the boxes. He already messed up the previous test by sending the blood draw to an inadequate lab, doing only western blot.

Do I print the form, fill it out, and send it in? Do I call Igenex and request the kit and the form is delivered with the kit?

My brain fog makes it incredibly difficult to figure out what things need to be done and in which order.

Could someone explain this to me like I'm six years old???

Thanks lol

Post Edited (sknight) : 4/8/2015 9:14:05 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/11/2015 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
The form comes with the kit. you get everything you need in the kit.

You can order the kit, and get your Dr. to sign the requisition, and then get the blood drawn.

There were a lot of instructions/forms in the kit...and when I took it to the lab, they helped me with what I didn't know.

You do need to be sure what tests you want, though. They are all listed on the form.

Most people get the Western blot - IgM and IgG for lyme. I think the code on the form is 188 and 189.
I think a complete lyme panel is approx. $600??? It would include the Western blot, plus more.
That does not include the co-infections.
Posted 3/11/2015 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
There are a lot of different testing options on the form. Enough to fill a page. You may need to call and explain to them what you want and they can help you pick them.

I paid $410 I believe for the Lyme Panel (PCR and WB) and then a Co-infection panel is another $600 at least, so most of us don't do the co-infection tests.
Posted 3/11/2015 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome, thank you !

I did just speak with an Igenex rep on the phone. He was very helpful. $500 for the comprehensive lyme panel, $700 for the complete co-infection panel, and another $200-300 for rickettsia and mycoplasma panels.

Certainly not cheap but, if you want to know exactly what you're dealing with, I suppose that's the price you pay.
Posted 3/12/2015 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Double check the timing instructions regarding your blood draw and shipping. The kit is put together really well with everything the lab needs to do your draw and express ship the draw to Igenex. Igenex requires that you have to have your blood drawn before 11 am on Tuesday or Wednesday to ensure that it gets to them before the leave on Friday. If Fedex or UPS express leave the package after they have gone home on Friday or hold the sample for Monday delivery the sample will have gone bad.
Posted 3/12/2015 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Will do. Thanks. :)
Posted 3/12/2015 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to give you a heads up that it can be a little tricky to find someone to draw your blood if your doctor won't do it. If you're doctor won't draw the blood, make sure you find out in advance who will because the timing on drawing the blood and sending it in is important, especially if you're on a protocol to draw out the bugs.

The blood has to be somewhat processed. I think at least 1 of the viles gets spun or something. The kit has all the instructions for the blood. Labs don't like to draw blood for other labs, such as IGENEX. So, call in advance to make sure they will do it.

Send it in on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday so it does not end up sitting around over the weekend at IGENEX. I sent mine on Tuesday so it would get there in time. They include a pre-paid Fedex label to send it in - at least mine had one.

You can include a copy of your insurance card (if you have it) so they send you a bill you have the option of submitting to your insurance. It does not mean however that insurance will pay. My LLMD did this with my paperwork.

Good luck! Let us know if you have any other questions. :)

Post Edited (Lymie Girl) : 3/12/2015 8:18:00 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/12/2015 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
"if you want to know exactly what you're dealing with, I suppose that's the price you pay."

sknight, not to be a downer, but the problem is, you might not still know exactly what you're dealing with. These co-infection blood tests aren't completely reliable, they're notoriously less reliable than the Lyme tests. Many LLMDs tell us not to bother.
Posted 3/13/2015 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
LymieGirl ~ Understood.... I have two doc's offices that I will talk to about drawing the blood once I receive the kit. If both of them refuse, at least it doesn't cost me anything until Igenex receives the blood draw and processes it. Other than my time.

sarahm620 ~ no worries about being a "downer". Having lyme IS a downer. Nothing we can do but keep trying. :)
Posted 4/9/2015 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Well, unfortunately, my home town doc must get approval from his administration before he can sign the requisition form for the Igenex lab. And he was pretty certain that admin would NOT approve it.

So, I called Igenex back to ask if a doc's signature was absolutely required and they said 'yes'. However.... the man I spoke with said they maintain a list of doc's who have previously ordered testing through their lab and he gave me the names of two doc's in my state.

Both doc's are about a three hour drive from where I live, and both have8-10 week waits for appointments. But, it's nice to know their are docs in my state who have ordered tests through Igenex. I have to assume that if they're educated enough to even know about PCR-DNA testing through Igenex, then they might also know a little more about lyme disease than the "average" primary care doc.

I'm working on setting up an appt with one of these two docs.
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