Lyme's disease diagnosis--which test(s)?

[Laurie4b]

A person I know with current symptoms had a test which showed they had had Lyme's at some point, but was inconclusive as to whether it is the cause of current symptoms. I remember reading that there are two tests, one of which is used most often but it not particularly reliable. Could someone remind me? Any other advice is welcome as well. Thanks!

[Remudamom]

Dh had the western blot test. Blood was drawn in Alabama and sent to a company in Cal. which I think has since changed it's name or something. It was called IGenex.

 

Dh had two co-infections. He's been on antibiotics for almost four years now and is better.

 

You can have lyme and still test negative.

[Laurie4b]

What is the western blot test? Is that the one that is the superior test? (And what's the name of the test that isn't as reliable in diagnosing?)

[Lizzie in Ma]

This might help.

http://www.anapsid.org/lyme/wb.html

[Mom0012]

IgenX (sp?) is the test a lot of the Lyme doctors near me use. However, the testing is not very accurate at all. My son and I were both tested. I came back with some markers, but his came back much more strongly positive. He doesn't have any Lyme symptoms and I was at a point where I couldn't walk. It is a diagnosis that is really made based on symptoms and response to treatment at this point. I had a tremendous response to antibiotics, which seems to be the standard treatment.