MycoTOX Profile (Mold Exposure)

Why Test for Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins cause adverse health effects that may be acute and chronic in nature that can manifest in various and ambiguous symptoms, the degree of impact can vary depending on the age, sex, genetics, and underlying health status of the exposed individual, as well as the duration and dose magnitude of the offending substance and their synergistic effects with other mycotoxins. Providers assessing symptomatic patients with known mold exposure or with an environmental history concerning mold exposure, will also need to consider the concomitant presence of mycotoxins and their potential negative health impacts as proper testing is essential for accurate treatment. The MycoTOX Profile is specifically designed to help healthcare practitioners identify mycotoxin exposure and guide a targeted prevention and treatment plan.

How Can Someone Be Exposed to Mycotoxins?

Common routes of exposure include inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion via commonly contaminated food sources (corn, cereals, ground and tree nuts, spices, dried fruits, apples, coffee, meat, milk, and eggs). Mold contamination can also affect nearly all indoor materials, including drywall, paint, wallpaper, carpeting, and more, posing various routes of exposure. When excessive moisture is present in high-humidity geographic areas or water-damaged buildings, the growth of these biological agents in damp environments leads to the production of spores, cells, fragments, and volatile organic compounds, which have been linked to a wide range of health hazards.

How Does the MycoTOX Profile Measure Mycotoxins?

The MycoTOX profile utilizes state-of-the-art liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology to ensure high specificity (or fewer false positive results) and capture free (unconjugated) mycotoxin presence even at low levels. This is crucial, as mycotoxins, even at low levels of exposure, can cause serious health problems. Our test is so sensitive that we can detect amounts of many compounds in parts per trillion (ppt). To account for variations in fluid intake, we utilize creatinine correction to ensure accurate and reliable results. By employing LC-MS/MS technology, we can precisely identify all our analytes, reducing the risk of false positives. With the MycoTOX Profile, you can trust that you are receiving the most accurate and reliable results possible.