Need affordable Lyme test

[Wilma Jenks]

My sister can not afford to use Igenix. I really thing she suffers from Lyme or bartonella. Is there a less expensive test called CD57, and is it reliable. Also, what if she tests negative on the tests, and we really feel she has all of the symptoms of Lyme. I am sure her doctor will not treat he if the results don't come negative.

[LNN]

CD57 and C3a and C4a immune complexes can all be tested by any commercial lab, usually covered by insurance. (You can also order a standard western blot - just understand the results may be incomplete). Finding a doctor who knows what to do with these results is the harder part. IMO, lyme is too complicated for general practitioners. I don't feel getting Igenex is essential. But I do feel having the right doctor is.

 

My advice would be for her to see if her doctor will order these tests. But then take the results, if they suggest lyme, and go to an LLMD.

[tpotter]

Wilma,

 

If there's any swelling in a joint, our orthopedist said that the synovial fluid can be checked, and is quite accurate. He has diagnosed 15 people this way, and had the insurance company question him, but because he had the synovial fluid results, everything worked out fine.

[KaraM]

There are other labs that test for BArtonella as well. I believe Quest is one. Mayo could be another...They are covered by insurance.

 

My sister can not afford to use Igenix. I really thing she suffers from Lyme or bartonella. Is there a less expensive test called CD57, and is it reliable. Also, what if she tests negative on the tests, and we really feel she has all of the symptoms of Lyme. I am sure her doctor will not treat he if the results don't come negative.