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Alison

I have compiled some info on laboratory procedures on testing and some good testing laboratories. WHAT LABORATORY TESTS AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS? INDIRECT TESTS (Antibody Tests) Antibodies are the immune system's response to "fight off" infection. Tests strive to be both sensitive (detecting any LD antibodies) and specific (detecting just LD antibodies). Test Interpretation: False Negative tests occur due to defects in test sensitivity; too low an antibody level to detect (e.g. they are bound to the bacteria, with too few free-floating; the patient taking antibiotics or other drugs; naturally low antibody production); the bacterium has changed, limiting recognition by the immune system; or bacterial strain variations. False positive tests occur due to test failure or cross-reacting antibodies (e.g. syphilis, periodontal disease, ANA or RF). Types of Tests Titer (ELISA, EIA, IFA) - These tests measure the level of Bb antibodies in fluid. Laboratories use different detection criteria, cut-off points, types of measurements, and reagents. Western blot - This test produces bands indicating the immune system's reactivity to Bb. Laboratories differ in their interpretation and reporting of these bands. C6 Lyme Peptide ELISA - identifies antibodies to a consistent surface protein that is present on every known strain of the Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). The C6LPE is more sensitive for diagnosing all stages of Lyme disease, including those patients with late stage Lyme disease. DIRECT DETECTION TESTS Antigen detection - These tests detect a unique Bb protein in fluid (e.g. urine) of patients. This may be useful for detecting LD in patients taking antibiotics or during symptom flare-up. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - This test multiplies the number of Bb DNA to a detectable measurable level. Culturing - Growing the bacterium in culture is difficult and can take months. Staining - Staining of tissue is time consuming and has low yield. The problem is that in Lyme disease there are too few of the Lyme spirochete in the body, and could result in the biopsy having no bacteria. JOINT FLUID Joint fluid can also be tested and can be either positive, negative or equivocal. This is done for patients with arthritis to see if the arthritis is being caused by Lyme Disease. CEREBROSPINAL FLUID Fluid obtained from a spinal tap can also be tested for Lyme Disease. The titer and the Western blot tests are performed on the fluid to see if neurological problems are caused by Lyme Disease. POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) TESTING This test identifies DNA found in Lyme bacteria and is a very sensitive test. This test can be performed on blood, joint fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and urine. This is a new procedure and can cause false positive results if not done correctly. This test shows bacteria is or was in the sample but does not mean there is an active infection. Remember: Testing for Lyme disease is very complex and needs interpretation by a physician familiar with the disease. http://www.clongen.com/lyme_disease_testing1.htm?gclid=CLCVldm9mIwCFQstWAodzC... http://www.igenex.com/ http://www.ilads.org/lyme_flyer.html, Excellent testing info! http://www.mdlab.com/html/testing/available_tests.html#tick Immunetics, Inc. 27 Drydock Ave, 6th Floor, Boston MA 02210 USA Tel: 617.896.9100 Toll-Free: 800.227.4765 Fax: 617.896.9110 email: info@immunetics.com Immunetics receives FDA approval for more accurate Lyme test without vaccine cross-reactivity DATELINE: Cambridge, MA, June 7, 2001 http://www.immunetics.com/c6/ http://www.cigna.com/healthinfo/hw5113.html http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/topic/medtest/hw5113/descrip.htm