Medical tests for Chronic Inflammatory Response syndrome (CIRS)
If you are curious whether or not you have mold illness/CIRS, and don’t want to or do not have the budget right now for the initial office visit with a mold illness specialist, here are a few tests you can take without a doctor’s order. For under $20, the VCS test is the perfect starting point. It is a visual screening test done from your computer and only takes a few minutes. After that, if you prefer to do your own private testing before seeking professional guidance- test your total IgG, IgA and IgM levels and MSH as they are usually available from one of the online medical test providers (https://www.consumersadvocate.org/blood-tests). It is strongly recommended that you read The First Steps post and follow up with a professional as soon as possible if you have symptoms- the sooner addressed the better. Do not wait- start now. Keeping a medical record on your own of every single test and result will be very helpful over time. Documenting all results in a simple chart (Excel, Google Sheet, or app of your choice) allows you and your healthcare professionals to track what is working and when.
http://www.survivingmold.com/store1/online-screening-test
VCS aka Visual Screening Test definitely worth the small investment. Take the test periodically to chart changes.
https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/igg-food-allergy-test
Great Plains food sensitivity tests and more: if budget allows for these test, the information may prove very helpful. Strongly recommend a personal elimination diet to pair with the test results and compare findings. Generally useful information about food allergy & sensitivity testing. Best and cheapest so far is still the elimination diet.
CFS Chat Episode 5: Mold Illness
useful chart and similar list of tests.
https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/organic-acids-test
Look at markers 2,4,5. and refer to https://www.lauraditri.com/how-to-test-yourself-for-mold-illness
https://www.walkinlab.com/products/view/melanocyte-stimulating-hormone-msh-blood-test
Alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) has multiple anti-inflammatory and neurohormonal regulatory function.MSH – Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone.Normal Range: 35-81 pg/mL – online DIY test. approx $160
https://www.lifeextension.com/lab-testing/itemlc100087/hla-dr-mold-genetic-test
This test looks for HLA-DR genetic marker to see if you are one of the highly susceptible to mold illness. To interpret results, check this site: http://www.myhousemakesmesick.com/hlacalc/
draxe.com/health/leaky-gut-test
Digestive issues become a common symptom among mold illness and generates further symptoms like worsening brain fog or SIBO. See test suggestions here and take appropriate action.
https://www.understandingmold.com/about-mold-illness/diagnostic-testing-for-mold-toxicity
Collection of information including mold allergy (as opposed to mold illness)
https://www.consumersadvocate.org/blood-tests
Comparison list of labs offering testing without a doctor order. consider testing your total IgG, IgA and IgM levels
https://www.survivingmold.com/diagnosis/lab-tests
List of mold illness specific tests and healthy ranges
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mold-allergy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351525
understanding a mold allergy
Medical tests for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) are multifaceted and often the combination of results will define the diagnosis as opposed to one single test. Be wary of urine cultures that only test for mycotoxins. Read more here.
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