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Best test for Coinfections?

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Posted 10/15/2017 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hey folks

New here. I'm about to order tests from Igenex to check for Lyme, Babesia and Bartonella - just to be safe - and want to know what the best tests would be to order. I don't have unlimited funds, sadly. I was going to do the Lyme IGG and IGM WB, but don't know about the order too. My doctor was totally fine with signing the order, but doesn't know anything about Lyme/etc and didn't really have any input.

Thanks
Posted 10/15/2017 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Not sure about babesia, but the best testing for bartonella is at galaxy labs in Raleigh NC. You can visit their website and have your GP order a kit.
Posted 10/16/2017 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
jackinthebox -

For lyme, the WB IgM and IgG (test #'s 188 and 189) is all you need. I think that is the best bang for your buck with lyme testing.


I'm sorry, but I don't know which tests for Bart and Babesia are best with Igenex.


Several forum members are using DNA Connexions lab. You don't need a Dr. - it's a urine test.

This will bump the thread up for more members to read - hopefully someone will share which Bart and Babs test is best with Igenex.
Posted 10/16/2017 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
My doc uses MDL labs and my insurance covered it! Babs, bart, Lyme, RMSF, I think anaplasmosis, and some thyroid stuff was just over $500... cheaper than iGenex, I think.

But my Babs came back negative and under the microscope it was very much positive, so as with all labs, not a 100% guarantee of anything.
Posted 10/16/2017 6:08 PM (GMT 0)

BabsBunny said...
My doc uses MDL labs and my insurance covered it! Babs, bart, Lyme, RMSF, I think anaplasmosis, and some thyroid stuff was just over $500... cheaper than iGenex, I think.

But my Babs came back negative and under the microscope it was very much positive, so as with all labs, not a 100% guarantee of anything.

My LLMD used MDL as well and I don't trust it.. I was negative for babesia and bart but shows sx of both. My mycoplasma was the only thing that was positive.
Posted 10/16/2017 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Echo the DNA Connections test - I think it looks for close to 20 different strains/pathogens. It did NOTHING for me, however, but my LLMD told me that was an anomaly and that they've had consistently good, specific results w/ that test. I do wonder if the test was somehow compromised.

I did a Fry Labs test for bartonella, which was helpful.

Anyway, coinfection testing is very unreliable. They test for only a few strains so I think most people prefer to clinically diagnose sx for coinfections as well. This might be helpful:
Jernigan's symptom list:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=3673749&g=3673789#m3673789

-p
Posted 10/17/2017 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the help, folks.

I just ended up doing the Lyme WB for now; I live right near Igenex so if I decide to go back for more testing in the future, it's pretty easy.

EDIT: I'm on the DNA Connexions site but don't see any pricing info...anybody have any idea?

Post Edited (jackinthebox) : 10/16/2017 6:29:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/17/2017 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
I think DNA Connexions is $500 for the entire battery of tests they do.
Posted 10/17/2017 2:58 PM (GMT 0)

jackinthebox said...
Thanks for the help, folks.

I just ended up doing the Lyme WB for now; I live right near Igenex so if I decide to go back for more testing in the future, it's pretty easy.

EDIT: I'm on the DNA Connexions site but don't see any pricing info...anybody have any idea?

Igenex keeps your blood sample for a certain amount of time. So if you do further testing, you can use that same draw. Just an FYI.
Posted 10/17/2017 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Oh that's interesting. Very handy, actually!
Posted 11/2/2017 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Do people actually think testing for bartonella would be worth it? I don't think I have babesia based on symptoms, but I do have a few bartonella crossover ones...

I'm just torn on dropping a couple hundred bucks on it. I'm currently not seeing an "LLMD" because of insurance/money/wait time to get in, but my regular doc will be okay with treating anything I test positive for.
Posted 11/2/2017 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
I think ANY lab you go with is a toss-up. That's one of the problems with LymeCo (Lyme and Coinfections, I'm tired of writing it out). Even the best test are terrible.

If you can get a test that insurance covers, why not? In the event it comes back positive, GREAT. If not, you are no worse off than before. Just make sure you get the band readings for Lyme, instead of a straight up "Positive" or "Negative." Those are subjective diagnoses.

I like MDL because my insurance paid for it. Lyme was "negative" but did show some reaction to 5 bands. Just not strong enough reactions. And there were 3 different bands than showed up a year ago on Igenex... so if you put the two together its positive. Not good enough for the CDC, but my LLMD knows how to read them. MDL also got me a positive for Bart, which I hadn't previously been targeting. So I'm very glad to have gotten it done.

LabCorp was negative for for Babesia microti, but they no longer do the test for duncani. However, my blood smear was very very positive, done directly by my doctor.

I'm glad I didn't waste anymore money on iGenex only to get negative results. If you have limited funds, just go with whatever insurance will cover. It's really not any better for the other labs. It must be a clinical diagnosis.
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