Is Quest Enterovirus RNA RT-PCR testing worthwhile?

[Zebra]

Comrades:

I am desperate right now, and that means I am likely to spend money that I shouldn't on direct-to-consumer blood tests.

I am wondering if anyone has opinions on the Enterovirus RNA testing via Quest Diagnostics.

Either personal experience getting these tests, or just your educated opinion on them would be most welcome.

They offer qualitative and quantitative, the former is half the price of the latter.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!!!

Here are links to the two tests:

https://testdirectory.questdiagnost...virus-rna-qualitative-real-time-pcr?cc=MASTER

https://testdirectory.questdiagnost...irus-rna-quantitative-real-time-pcr?cc=MASTER

 

[Rufous McKinney]

Would the test outcomes lead to some treatment for you?

 

[Hip]

Dr John Chia discovered PCR is usually insensitive for detecting chronic enterovirus infections (see detection of non-cytolytic infections). He uses the ARUP lab neutralisation antibody tests for enterovirus. See viral testing in ME/CFS.

 

[cfs since 1998]

Probably not going to help elucidate anything, but I'd do the cheaper qualitative test first. No point in paying extra to determine your viral load if you don't even have it.

 

[Zebra]

Would the test outcomes lead to some treatment for you?

Yes, because I'm having acute symptoms that came on suddenly in June, and my neuro says they sound like "very mild myelitis".

Long wait for MRI, with instructions to go to ER if symptoms worsen.

I'm miserable and trying to speed things along by checking the blood for assorted pathogens that may, or may not, have triggered my ME/CFS all those years ago, and come roaring back again. Read: I'm terrified.

 

[Zebra]

Dr John Chia discovered PCR is usually insensitive for detecting chronic enterovirus infections (see detection of non-cytolytic infections). He uses the ARUP lab neutralisation antibody tests for enterovirus. See viral testing in ME/CFS.

Thank you for these two links, which I read as carefully as I can right now.

You are reminding me that I've never had a positive PCR test for any pathogen the past 11 years.

I do have somewhat fresh stomach biopsies, and perhaps if/when this current situation gets better, I can send them to Dr Chia for evaluation.

Thank you for the reminder!

 

[Zebra]

I'd do the cheaper qualitative test first. No point in paying extra to determine your viral load if you don't even have it.

Good advice!