Episode #68: IGeneX with Dr. Jyotsna Shah, PhD

Why You Should Listen: In this episode, you will learn about the various testing options offered by IGeneX in the realm of vector-borne diseases. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Jyotsna Shah. Dr. Jyotsna Shah PhD is the President and Laboratory Director of IGeneX Clinical Laboratory, Palo Alto, CA. Dr. Shah has over 40 years of research experience in immunology, molecular biology and microbiology, has been published, and holds more than 20 patents. After receiving her B.Sc. and M.Sc in Biological Sciences in the UK and her PhD. in diagnostic immunology from Nairobi University in Kenya, Dr. Shah joined the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD) as a post-doctoral scientist and started the first DNA sequencing laboratory in East Africa. On completion of her fellowship, she went on to join Harvard University's Department of Tropical Medicine as a research fellow and continued work on development of molecular tools for diagnosis of parasitic diseases. Since then, Dr. Shah has worked at several Biotechnology companies focusing on the development of novel molecular technologies for diagnosis of infectious diseases and has become a world expert on use of Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization (FISH) technique for direct detection of pathogens in clinical samples. Dr. Shah joined IGeneX as the Director of Research and Development in 1997 and in 2003 became Laboratory Director. During her time with IGeneX, she introduced the first Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) test for Babesia and also set up the PCR department for tick-borne diseases. Under Dr. Shah's direction, the laboratory has developed an excellent QA program and with her scientific guidance, IGeneX has become the world's leading reference laboratory for diagnosis of tick-borne diseases. Dr. Shah is now the owner of IGeneX and continues her mission to help those struggling with vector-borne illnesses. Key Takeaways: What is the history of IGeneX? What is the difference between antibody and antigen testing? Why is IgM and IgG in Borrelia not the same as other infectious conditions? Why are bands 31 and 34 included in IGeneX Western Blots but not other commercial blots? What is the difference between the Western Blot and the ImmunoBlot? What is the importance of the Relapsing Fever Borrelia test options? What testing does IGeneX offer in the realm of coinfections? What is the IGXSpot and when might it be useful to consider? What microbes where found in her research on Morgellons? How can tick testing be performed with IGeneX? Connect With My Guest: http://www.IGeneX.com Interview Date: April 23, 2018 Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclaimer: The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.