Re: [LYME-L] Lyme Tests

[Guest guest]

Thank you Dr. Ziegler in the explanation you gave below in to why the

Western Blot test kit may not hold up to the constants needed to get

good results. These tests kits I imagine will be sent out to labs

across the country. And then all labs will be able to do the " Western

Blot " test, and probably not trained in the proper protocol of how to

do the test, and since not standardized, the results could be

misleading and down right inaccurate.

This is unsettling to think about some of our tests for certain

diseases may not be done correctly skewing the results. A good

practitioner must NOT depend on lab results alone. From the time the

lab is drawn through the handling and final result cannot be trusted

alone. Always look at the clinical signs and symptoms.

I wonder if grant money was used to develop this test and whose

pockets it is lining?

Barb () Fitzmaurice, R.N. - Michigan

BLFITZMA@...

Re: [LYME-L] Lyme Tests

The aim of a good Lyme Western blot is a good diagnosis. Therefore it

need a

good antigen (correct strain(s) of the borrelia), a good preparation

of the

antigen, a good separation and blot transfer. There needs an constant

antigen

load in the blotting membrane. So, a good western blot needs

standardisation!

If there are any problems in the manufactory protocol the test is not

suitable for correct lab work.

We know some Lyme western blots with very different quality, mostly

there are

problems in the separation protocol: The position of the antigenic

bands is

not constant enough. Furthermore, the load of the antigens in the

membrane

after blotting transfer is very different. So, follow up during

desease and

after therapy is not sure. The comparition with the EIAs is difficult,

because there are the same problems in the antigen load of the wells.

Mostly,

the EIA antigen is not a full antigen. Therefore not all specific

antibodies

may be detected in the EIA.

In summary, I think, that a new test kit not allways is a new chance

for the

patient: There is only a new chance for the manufacturer to get

patients

money.

Clearance from the FDA (or in Germany by the PEI) gives no garanty for

a

suitable test in the daily lab work but it approves that the minimal

preconditions for application in diagnostic procedure, given by the

administration, are fullfilled.

Dr. G. B. Ziegler