You have it correct. We only use Quest labs for this process. It goes very smoothly, really. Almost always ;-)
Terri
Thank you for your answers Teri ... yes I think I would be interested in the Western Blot.
Is the basic procedure/steps for the test as follows
1 - I call your Westover Heights office as a phone patient
2 - You send a perscription and Western Blot Kit to a lab that you trust ( i'm guessing Quest or LabCorp ) that is close to me
3 - The lab does the blood draw
4 - The lab sends the kit back to you ? or directly to Univ of Wash ?
Do I have the steps correct ?
My only reservation is I have read that the transporting of the kit back to Univ of Wash is very particular ( dry ice, packing, labels )
Chances are a lab close to me would not take the kind of care and diligence that I am sure your office does ... also you have a lot of experience with the test as opposed to a standard Quest or LabCorp
That is why I still think about the option of flying into Oregon ... I know it will be handled correctly.
I never heard of the Roche test. but that also sounds promising if you are considering it
Is your experiences with sending the kit across the country and getting the blood sent back correctly generally a good one ?
Thanks
In my experience, both tests are good though not perfect.
The HSV 1 tests are very consistent, yes.
In our office, we do the herpeselect test, though we may switch to the new Roche test soon, not decided yet. We confirm all HSV 2 test with an index value of 1.1 to 3.5, assuming the patient can afford it. Those are sent to the University of Washington, yes. Anyone can request a western blot through our clinic, even those living far away. We feel confirmation is VERY important.
I think Quest and LabCorp quality is very similar.
Clearly, in your case, you need confirmation by a second test.
Terri