Re: Which test from Fry Labs?

October 25, 2008

Sorry, one more thing... are there any other Lyme co-infections or

parasites we should be looking for? I see our DAN in a few days, and

want to be prepared with my questions. My daughter definately has

parasite issues, but we're just not sure *what*. We've treated for

acute Lyme, but she is still having major issues with the full moon.

Thanks!

Sheri

>

> If we are looking to test for bartonella, babesia, ehrlichia, etc.,

> which test should we be ordering from Fry Labs? I've read that you

> should have the " blood smear and antibody " testing, but I'm not sure

> which one this is. Here is the link to the tests that are available:

> http://frylaboratories.com/services.php

>

> Sorry for such a " newbie " question!

> Sheri

>

October 26, 2008

Hi Sheri,

I would look into Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma, Mycoplasmas, and

DNA viruses including HHV-6, EBV, CMV.

CPT Code 88342 is the blood smear test for Bartonella and Babesia (Fry

Labs).

In Babesiosis, no single test is reliable enough to be used alone. Besides

of blood smear test, you might want to choose two out of these three methods

serology, PCR, and FISH. If you live in the West Cost, I would suggest to

test for WA-1 (B duncani), which is not available via Fry. IGeneX offers

this test.

Because Bartonella is very difficult to test positive. Dr. Burrascano uses

both serology and PCR. Unfortunately in his experience, these tests miss

over half the cases diagnosed clinically.

Fry Labs only tests Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis for IgG antibody, not IgM.

If I were you, who is considering testing for coinfectors. This is what I

would do:

- Do a coinfecion panel with IGeneX, which will give me Babesia microti

IgG/IgM, Ehrlichia IgG/IgM on both monocytic and granulocytic forms,

Bartonella IgG/IgM, Babesia FISH on both microti and duncani.

- If I live in the West Coast, and my Babesia FISH is negative, I would

also test for WA-1.

Ehrlichia is easily tested positive, but it is important to best both forms.

Bartonella is very difficult to test positive. If I get serology positive,

even if it is only IgG positive, this is good enough for me as a positive

result. If not, I will pursue with Fry Labs' blood smear test. For

Babesia, Fry Labs only test for IgG, I do not feel that this is sufficient.

However, the blood smear test they offer can test for both Babesia and

Bartonella.

I feel Fry Labs has better offer/service on testing Bartonella. IGeneX does

a better job on testing for Babesia. (I am speaking from the viewpoint of

comparing the coverage of test methods, not accuracy, as I do not have data

on accuracy, but knowing that IGeneX is pretty decent.) So, another option

is to not to do panel or package tests, but run different individual tests

from both labs.

Hope this does not further confuse you.