Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2009, at 0:15:26
I took this whole lyme's issue into my own hands and a few days ago sent this to a lab on internet here's there answer to my question and question. thoughts? Phillipa
You recently sent ASCLS the following question:
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I actively had lymes disease confirmed by infection control specialist about l0 years ago and was treated for over two years first with 5 days rocephin Iv via pic line, then orally three months at a time with long acting biaxin. For years ago again tested positive with Western Blot for Lymes and health dept called to ask who was treating the doc said you have had enough antibiotics no more. Now I just got tested again on my own and IGM was 2.5 and IGG negative. I'm 63 years old and originally from CT. So does the still positive IGM mean lymes is active or is the number low? I can find no numbers for comparison on internet via multiple searches and am very concerned. Thanks your answer would truly be appreciated. Sincerely Jan
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Our Response:
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Jan,
Thank you for using the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) consumer information website. This service is staffed by clinical laboratory scientists who volunteer their time to answer questions from individuals about laboratory test results.
There is no perfect test for Lyme Disease and diagnosis of Lyme disease should be passed on physical examination, clinical symptoms, medical history and other findings. Given the scenario you related here, it would appear that you should have been adequately treated and additional treatment would not be warranted if you are not exhibiting any symptoms consistent with Lyme Disease. You state that your IgG was negative and your IgM was 2.5. It is unusual that your IgM levels would be positive and your IgG negative. On that report, there should be a reference range printed on the report somewhere. If 2.5 is above the negative cut-off value, additional testing may be warranted.There are additional tests that could be done, such as PCR for Borrelia burgdorferi. Borrelia burgdorferi is the spirochetal bacterium tht causes Lyme Disease. For more information about Lyme Disease testing at http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/lyme/test.html
In closing I am proud to represent thousands of clinical laboratory scientists who specialize in the disciplines of clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, transfusion services and hematology. The data obtained in these disciplines provide over 70% of the objective information that health care practitioners use in making diagnosis and formulating treatment decisions for their patients.Best regards,
Mary Beth Miele, PhD, MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist)
ASCLS consumer response team
poster:Phillipa
thread:928812
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091206/msgs/928812.html