I have a question about Lyme disease and the Western Blot method of testing.!
Question: I have a question about Lyme disease and the Western Blot method of testing!.
The doctor told me that they check three different "bands", and that of the three i had one band that was positive, but then he also said that it takes two of the three for a true positive result!. My question is: should i be concerned, and look further!? Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Moonshaman gave a great answer!.!.!.I just want to add a little bit!.
There are ongoing debates on how many bands equal a positive result!. Most labs do have the disclaimer that 5 (or more) of the 10 significant IgG bands equals a positive and 2 of the 3 IgM bands equals a positive, just like Moonshaman said!. However, some docs will even treat when only one IgM band is present; it depends on the physician!.
Like Moonshaman said, you shouldn't worry unless you are displaying symptoms of Lyme disease!. If you are having symptoms, there is another test available that is more definitive!. It's called Borrelia burgdorferi PCR!. It is a DNA test that is highly specific for the organism that causes Lyme disease!.
Good luck and take care!Www@Answer-Health@Com
There are ongoing debates on how many bands equal a positive result!. Most labs do have the disclaimer that 5 (or more) of the 10 significant IgG bands equals a positive and 2 of the 3 IgM bands equals a positive, just like Moonshaman said!. However, some docs will even treat when only one IgM band is present; it depends on the physician!.
Like Moonshaman said, you shouldn't worry unless you are displaying symptoms of Lyme disease!. If you are having symptoms, there is another test available that is more definitive!. It's called Borrelia burgdorferi PCR!. It is a DNA test that is highly specific for the organism that causes Lyme disease!.
Good luck and take care!Www@Answer-Health@Com
I am a Clinical Laboratorian and I specialize in Lyme testing and western blots!. If they told you that they were looking for 3 bands!. That indicates that they were only testing you for IgM!. There is another test for more acute Lyme disease in which 5 of 10 bands must be present in IgG format!. Because you only had one band out of 3 positive Don't worry about a thing!.!.!.!.unless you actually have symptoms for Lyme disease ( Target shaped Rash) The bands in this case are actually different proteins p!. 41, p!. 39 etc that your body is making antibodies to!. It is possible to make antibodies to some of thees proteins without being infected by the Lyme spirochete, from different sources!. If you still feel that you have Lyme disease talk to your doctor and get a full check up!Www@Answer-Health@Com