Re: Using IGeneX Urine Tests

From: Susan (slf4591_at_aol.comnojunk)
Date: 02/24/05 

Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 16:41:22 -0500

x-no-archive: yes

pmerv@direcway.com wrote:

> Susan wrote:
>
> Readers should be aware that these tests have not been independently
> validated and/or replicated by those with no financial interest in the
> outcome.
>
> This is true. So what choices do we have?
> C6 peptide test? (misses 30%)
> ELISA test is only 65-70% sensitive
> Western blot, CDC criteria? Engstrom et al ran 5 tests on each patient
> and still the sensitivity was low. If they had utilized two-tier
> testing, they would have missed even more true cases. (Imagine
> insurance paying for *5* tests!)
> Twenty to thirty percent of patients are seronegative anyway.
> PCRs are accepted in other diseases.
> All CLIA labs have to do proficiency testing five times a year.
>
> By all means go with any approved lab but at least choose one that will
> report all bands on WB at least if requested, remembering that the
> sensitivity of WB is based on the patient having free antibody, which
> not all do.
>
> "Smacking of advertising" or not, I will attempt to find answers to
> Weisman's additional questions, but don't hold your breath.
>

The problem is, Phyllis, that you have a fresh subject line, a new
thread _begun by you_, that is NOT a reply nor does it quote another
poster. It reads like magazine or newspaper ad copy.

The other problem is that you are abusing your role as a non-profit
support organization leader by promoting *fiercely* one commercial
interest, one who has been financially generous to you.

There are no reliable diagnostic tests for tick borne disease, to
suggest that this one lab is better than another is self serving.
It's a mutual back scratch that has no place on a non-commercial usenet
group.

All labs should be judged by the same standars, whether owned by friends
or foes.

Susan

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Using IGeneX Urine Tests
    ... Susan wrote: ... >> All CLIA labs have to do proficiency testing five times a year. ... >> sensitivity of WB is based on the patient having free antibody, ... > There are no reliable diagnostic tests for tick borne disease, ...
    (sci.med.diseases.lyme)
  • Re: ELISA TESTING and the coin flip analogy
    ... Rememeber that same study found overall sensitivity as ... INDIVIDUAL to the patient! ... adhominem insults and just give a straight answer here? ... professionals or some guy on the internet who does a lot of reading of ...
    (sci.med.diseases.lyme)
  • Re: Using IGeneX Urine Tests
    ... Engstrom et al ran 5 tests on each patient ... > and still the sensitivity was low. ... > All CLIA labs have to do proficiency testing five times a year. ... > By all means go with any approved lab but at least choose one that will ...
    (sci.med.diseases.lyme)
  • Re: Using IGeneX Urine Tests
    ... Engstrom et al ran 5 tests on each patient ... and still the sensitivity was low. ... All CLIA labs have to do proficiency testing five times a year. ...
    (sci.med.diseases.lyme)
  • Re: To 3rd man
    ... different labs. ... sensitivity but apparently it does. ... average sensitivity of the ELISA is 50% approximately. ... We are talking about individual outcomes. ...
    (sci.med.diseases.lyme)