For Bartonella testing, we recommend Galaxy Diagnostics. CoinfectionsĬoinfections such as Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, or divergent Borrelia strains can have many overlapping symptoms with Lyme disease. While tests from Vibrant Wellness are only available with a doctor’s order, they offer extensive and potentially more accurate reporting. This laboratory is continuing to grow in its use by Lyme specialists. Both laboratories report a limited number of Western Blot bands, which may lead to decreased sensitivity and more false-negative results. The tests are usually covered by insurance, but testing doesn’t take into account divergent Borrelia strains. Labcorp and Questīoth Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics provide IgM and IgG Western Blot testing for Lyme disease. In addition to Borrelia burgdorferi, the lab offers testing for multiple, divergent Borrelia strains, including European strains Borrelia afzelli and Borrelia garinii and Southern U.S. This is considered a more sensitive test if the ordering healthcare provider checks the box to include CDC non-specific bands on the Western Blot report. Stony Brook University Medical CenterĪdministered in conjunction with the Clinical Immunology Laboratory in the Department of Pathology at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, the IgM and IgG Western Blot Lyme disease test is often covered by insurance. The Lyme Test Access Program ( Lyme-TAP ) may also provide financial assistance to patients who demonstrate a financial need. Insurance or Medicare may provide reimbursement. IGenex ’s newer ImmunoBlot or traditional IgM/IgG Western Blots are regarded as more sensitive Lyme disease tests because they test for more strains and report additional bands than a standard Western blot. We recommend using Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratories: IGeneX Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that some laboratories may use different methodologies or criteria which could result in a positive test for one lab and negative at another. Your doctor may also elect to order a Western Blot without a positive ELISA. With a clinical presentation of Lyme and reactive bands, your doctor may diagnose Lyme disease even if you do not meet the CDC’s criteria. It is critical to note that certain bands on the Western blot are more specific for Lyme disease than others. The CDC surveillance criteria requires 2 out of 3 IgM bands and/or 5 out of 10 IgG bands for a positive test result. In this two-step approach, the Western blot detects antibodies to several proteins of B. If the ELISA test is positive or equivocal, this test is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. Unfortunately, with a negative ELISA, most patients are definitively told they do not have Lyme without any further inquiry.
Studies show that the ELISA test generates false negative results approximately half of the time. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test detects antibodies to B.The CDC recommends that doctors first order an ELISA to screen for Lyme disease and then confirm Lyme disease with a Western blot. The CDC currently recommends a two-step testing process for Lyme disease that was developed for surveillance purposes, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Western blot. However, if a patient tests positive using the CDC’s standards, this may help patients receive appropriate treatment and insurance coverage. As detailed more fully below, the CDC criteria is deeply flawed. After you’ve had an infection for a period of time, IgG antibodies may be generated and could indicate the presence of a later stage or persistent infection. The body produces IgM antibodies in response to a recent or active infection. Typical testing for Lyme disease measures IgM and IgG antibodies. Based on available testing for Lyme disease, it can still be difficult to determine who has the illness, the most effective course of treatment, and when treatment can be discontinued.
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