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I Tested Negative For Lyme And Meningitis But The Western
Question: I tested negative for Lyme and meningitis but the western blot and CFS from spinal fluid are still pending. Doxycycline not working so they changed me to Ceftin. What is the likelihood of my CFS in spinal fluid coming back positive and why is the test taking so long
Brief Answer:
Western blot results may take up to a couple of weeks to be available
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Lyme disease is generally very responsive to Doxycycline. Sometimes, doctors prefer cefalosporins, this is why your doctor has changed to Ceftin after no improvement with Doxycycline.
Generally, results from western blot may take 1-2 weeks to be available, this is why it is taking a while. It is difficult to say how likely it is for the CSF examination to come out positive as this will depend on the exact cause of your symptoms. If the patient has Lyme infection affecting the central nervous system, tests in the CSF come out positive in more than 80% of the cases. Check for antibodies in CSF may take a while to be available as well.
The CSF, in my opinion, is getting checked not only for Lyme disease so it depends what tests the doctor is doing but if a general evaluation of the CSF is done (such as protein and glucose levels, white blood cell count, etc), this may be available within the day.
To conclude:
- Western blot may take some time to have the report, so it is normal it is taking a while (may take up to a couple of weeks).
- Meanwhile, you are taking a very effective treatment for Lyme disease
- The doctors very likely are checking to rule out other conditions and infections as well and a
A simple check of CSF (microscopy and measurement of proteins and glucose) is generally able to show results within the day. Other tests that determine the antibodies may take a while
- There is a chance of >80% for the CSF to show Lyme disease if the infection is present in the brain
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Western blot results may take up to a couple of weeks to be available
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Lyme disease is generally very responsive to Doxycycline. Sometimes, doctors prefer cefalosporins, this is why your doctor has changed to Ceftin after no improvement with Doxycycline.
Generally, results from western blot may take 1-2 weeks to be available, this is why it is taking a while. It is difficult to say how likely it is for the CSF examination to come out positive as this will depend on the exact cause of your symptoms. If the patient has Lyme infection affecting the central nervous system, tests in the CSF come out positive in more than 80% of the cases. Check for antibodies in CSF may take a while to be available as well.
The CSF, in my opinion, is getting checked not only for Lyme disease so it depends what tests the doctor is doing but if a general evaluation of the CSF is done (such as protein and glucose levels, white blood cell count, etc), this may be available within the day.
To conclude:
- Western blot may take some time to have the report, so it is normal it is taking a while (may take up to a couple of weeks).
- Meanwhile, you are taking a very effective treatment for Lyme disease
- The doctors very likely are checking to rule out other conditions and infections as well and a
A simple check of CSF (microscopy and measurement of proteins and glucose) is generally able to show results within the day. Other tests that determine the antibodies may take a while
- There is a chance of >80% for the CSF to show Lyme disease if the infection is present in the brain
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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