Sonsie
05-24-2007, 03:22 PM
Finally found part of the information I've mentioned to Erin on other threads. Here it is:
Once you've figured out what doctor will write you an Rx for the test and who will draw your blood, here's what to do:
o Phone IGeneX:
-- Go to http://www.igenex.com for contact info
-- Ask them to send you a "test kit." There is no charge for this, and you are not obligated to go through with the test if you change your mind.
-- If you need to know who can do this blood draw correctly, ask them if they can suggest a lab in your area.
o The kit provides:
-- Instructions on drawing blood (I've been told not all techs will comprehend or be willing to fool with it and will just tell you they know -- I will try to find more info on this)
-- A form to fill out
-- Packing materials needed to FedEx your blookd to Igenex.
o Copy the page that lists the available tests, and highlight # 188 and 189 in yellow for your doctor. (Page is at http://www.igenex.com/formset1.htm, accessible directly or via the "forms and codes" link on the left side of the home page.)
o Your doctor must write the names of these tests on a prescription form. You cannot have your blood drawn and tested without a doctor's order.
o Any lab (but preferably one that understands these tests) can draw your blood. Do this in the morning, so that you can handle shipping on the same day (keep reading for details on this).
o If you plan to pay for this yourself, tell them not to submit this charge to your insurance. They will charge you for the blood draw. IGeneX will charge you for the tests.
o Tell them that you will ship your blood it to the lab. (If you are at an IGeneX-sanctioned lab, however, it is OK to let them do the shipping. I do this all the time, and it works fine.)
o Have your blood drawn on a Monday or Tuesday. That way the lab gets your blood on Wednesday and can get the tests done by the weekend. (The tests take time.) If your blood sits over the weekend, it's no good.
o Shipping details: The test tube goes into a styrofoam container that pads it, and then a ziplock bag. The form, the tube, and your payment go into a sturdy little cardboard box, and into the FedEx envelope.
o Look up FedEx number in the phone book, and call to arrange for a same-day pick up. Or take it to a FedEx office, if one is near you. You can pay via check or credit card. (Credit card is better, because it gives you some recourse should something go wrong.)
~~~~> Your blood must ship the day your blook is drawn, and it must ship overnight, because timing is key!
o The results are faxed to your doctor in three weeks. If your doctor is anti-Lyme or believes you are a crackpot, to get your copy of the results after the three-week point, you likely will have to call several times, or visit in person.
Hope this helps. :)
Once you've figured out what doctor will write you an Rx for the test and who will draw your blood, here's what to do:
o Phone IGeneX:
-- Go to http://www.igenex.com for contact info
-- Ask them to send you a "test kit." There is no charge for this, and you are not obligated to go through with the test if you change your mind.
-- If you need to know who can do this blood draw correctly, ask them if they can suggest a lab in your area.
o The kit provides:
-- Instructions on drawing blood (I've been told not all techs will comprehend or be willing to fool with it and will just tell you they know -- I will try to find more info on this)
-- A form to fill out
-- Packing materials needed to FedEx your blookd to Igenex.
o Copy the page that lists the available tests, and highlight # 188 and 189 in yellow for your doctor. (Page is at http://www.igenex.com/formset1.htm, accessible directly or via the "forms and codes" link on the left side of the home page.)
o Your doctor must write the names of these tests on a prescription form. You cannot have your blood drawn and tested without a doctor's order.
o Any lab (but preferably one that understands these tests) can draw your blood. Do this in the morning, so that you can handle shipping on the same day (keep reading for details on this).
o If you plan to pay for this yourself, tell them not to submit this charge to your insurance. They will charge you for the blood draw. IGeneX will charge you for the tests.
o Tell them that you will ship your blood it to the lab. (If you are at an IGeneX-sanctioned lab, however, it is OK to let them do the shipping. I do this all the time, and it works fine.)
o Have your blood drawn on a Monday or Tuesday. That way the lab gets your blood on Wednesday and can get the tests done by the weekend. (The tests take time.) If your blood sits over the weekend, it's no good.
o Shipping details: The test tube goes into a styrofoam container that pads it, and then a ziplock bag. The form, the tube, and your payment go into a sturdy little cardboard box, and into the FedEx envelope.
o Look up FedEx number in the phone book, and call to arrange for a same-day pick up. Or take it to a FedEx office, if one is near you. You can pay via check or credit card. (Credit card is better, because it gives you some recourse should something go wrong.)
~~~~> Your blood must ship the day your blook is drawn, and it must ship overnight, because timing is key!
o The results are faxed to your doctor in three weeks. If your doctor is anti-Lyme or believes you are a crackpot, to get your copy of the results after the three-week point, you likely will have to call several times, or visit in person.
Hope this helps. :)