Best way to get a Western Blot test?

Ok, so I am fed up with my situation, and want a conclusive answer. I want to get a Western Blot test so I can put all of this confusion to rest. I looked online at the University of Washington's page, and read over the process of ordering and getting yourself tested via Western Blot. However, it seems like by doing it yourself, there is a lot of room for error (keeping it on ice, getting it shipped at the perfect timing, ect.) I am worried that by ordering and reshipping it myself, I may risk a potential non-accurate result, and I would hate to pay over a hundred dollars to do so. Has anyone done the Western Blot? Is there anyone who could give me advice on the best and most accurate way to have this test done?

[waringblender]

We can't even figure out your history since this is apparently a new thread for you. Couldn't you just bump up your original thread? It makes it easier to follow your story.

Can't you just get your doctor to order the WB for you and call it a day? Is there a reason you need to do it yourself? Why do you feel you need a WB?

Again, we need the specifics of your story. Otherwise, your question is out waving in the wind without cover. Sorry.

[AlbumLeaf]

Sorry, I didn't feel the need to post my story because I am set on getting the Western Blot. I didn't consider that because all of the sites I have seen are structured around getting the Western Blot yourself. Basically, I am concerned with the accuracy of the tests that I have taken, am having a hard time accepting my results, and want to stop worrying about it. I figure the Western Blot is the best way to bring everything to a conclusion.

[waringblender]

Why are you having a hard time accepting the results of your tests? The majority of people are going to fall into a definitive range on the tests. I'd explore that a little more. Getting tested up the wazoo probably fuels anxiety for a lot of people. As you can see on this forum, we have posters here who simply can't let go of the idea they have herpes. They blame it for practically every symptom they've had since birth.

Many people have a vested interest in having herpes, but goddess knows why. Attention getting behavior? Guilt about their sexuality and sexual practices? Wanting to feel victimized? Who knows? Who cares? The infinite testing and medical visits they undergo can be mind boggling.

Not everything people have is due to herpes. Why herpes has become the scapegoat du jour is beyond me. 90% of people with herpes have very mild or no symptoms.

If you feel you need a WB because your results are vague, just get your doc to order it. But I'd want to know why you can't accept your results before dropping that kind of dough first.

You might also want to post on the Anxiety Forum.

[AlbumLeaf]

Ha, it's not the Anxiety that causes my symptoms, it's the other way around. And the reason I have a hard time accepting my results is because the doctors I have talked to about my test results are unable to tell me which type of tests they use. The only one that confirmed that it was a Herpeselect test told me they didn't have numeric values because it was a slide test. Therefore, I believe that the Western Blot will save me a lot of confusion.

[petal130]

It really isn't that difficult to get an IgG type specific blood test. As to the doctor not being able to tell you, that's hooey. Ask to see the lab results - you are entitled to a copy of it.

Here's a great link from the Herpes Handbook on testing. The HerpeSelect test is valid testing, and should provide numeric results.

http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook/view_the_chapters/diagnosis.html

[waringblender]

According to his commenting history here, he's already had a WB test that was negative.

So we've moved beyond "definitive diagnosis" of herpes here to "anxiety driven behavior."

[AlbumLeaf]

For one, no I haven't had a WB test and nor have I commented hinting so, so that reply makes no sense. And as far as my doctor not being able to tell me, I do not mean they say they aren't allowed to, I mean that when I ask them or the lab, none of the know what the test they use is. All I have been told is "it is a DSX test" (a DSX is the machine they use, not the test), and when I ask who the manufacturer of the test is, they say they don't know. I HAVE had an IgG specific blood test, but not knowing who manufactures the test makes me question its accuracy. So, thanks for the cocky attitude and no help, ill figure it out myself.

[petal130]

Where did you have the blood drawn? If at your doctors office or clinic, they typically send it out to a specific lab. That lab would use a certain test, so perhaps calling them might help you out.

I'm just the type of girl who doesn't take No or I don't know for an answer when it comes to my health. The squeaky wheel gets the grease....

[AlbumLeaf]

I got it drawn at an urgent care center within the biggest health care system in my area. I called and talked to several people, and they said they do the test right at their downtown lab. They forwarded me to one of the technicians at that lab, and they told me that she doesn't know who manufactures the test. She said it is a DSX test, which isn't actually a test, but rather a machine (from the research I did). The only other answer within this particular health care system was from the doctor that I have seen several times- all she could tell me was that it was an ELISA test. When I asked if it was the Herpeselect she said she didn't know, "its just an ELISA test." It is obviously not a knowledgeable health care system when it comes to this disease, which worries me. However, I don't know who else to see, because I have seen doctors from different systems, and it is basically the same deal.

[gracefromHHP]

Quest labs #34534 for the herpes WB.  

grace

[AlbumLeaf]

Sorry Grace, what does that post quite mean?

[gracefromHHP]

That's the test number for the WB thru quest labs, one of the biggest labs in the US if your provider uses it.

Your provider can also directly order the WB kit from the U of washington for you too.

grace