Comprehensive Guide to the MycoTOX Test

Mycotoxins, aka toxins from mold, are some of the most common toxins to which we are exposed. Most of this exposure comes from airborne mycotoxins released by molds growing in our homes, offices, and businesses. Chronic mycotoxin exposure has been linked to a variety of diseases, including some cancers and neurological conditions. One popular test to determine mycotoxin exposure is the MycoTOX from The Great Plains Laboratory. By analyzing toxins from a variety of mold species, it provides insight into the severity mycotoxin exposure and the efficacy of detoxification treatments. 

What is the MycoTOX test?

The MycoTOX test from The Great Plains Laboratory utilizes a single urine sample to measure the excretion of eleven different mycotoxins from thirteen different mold genera. Using advanced mass spectrometry, it helps identify even low levels of mycotoxins (some in parts per trillion!). It can be used for an initial analysis of mycotoxin exposure or for a follow-up to analyze the efficacy of detoxification treatment. When a mycotoxin level is high, the MycoTOX report provides information about how exposure to this toxin typically occurs and how it can be treated. 

What does the MycoTOX test measure?

The MycoTOX test measures eleven different mycotoxins from a variety of different mold types, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Myrothecium, Stachybotrys, Bipolaris, Gibberella, Chaetomium, Trichoderma, Trichothecium, Cephalosporium, Verticimonosporium, and Monascus.  

What is the sample collection process for the MycoTOX test?

Sample collection for the MycoTOX test is easy and straightforward. Patients simply collect their first morning urine in the provided collection cup, freeze it, and send it back to The Great Plains Laboratory. The sample is then analyzed and results are uploaded to your Rupa Health portal! 

Which patients is the MycoTOX test best used for?

The MycoTOX can be used for patients who know or suspect that they have been exposed to high levels of mycotoxins. It is also a great test to use for patients who are suffering from chronic fatigue, fever, skin rashes, depression, anxiety, ADHD, asthma, sinusitis, nose bleeding, memory loss, and vision loss. The MycoTOX can also be used for patients with heart disease, various cancers, and various neurological conditions to determine if mycotoxin exposure is one of the causes of disease. 

Who can order a MycoTOX test?

Most practitioners with an NPI number can order a MycoTOX test, including NPs, PAs, acupuncturists, dieticians, and nutritionists. Health coaches and any practitioner from New York are unable to order testing from The Great Plains Laboratory. If you are wondering whether or not you can order this test, reach out to us at hello@rupahealth.com or through your Rupa Health portal. 

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What are some similar tests to the MycoTOX test?

One similar test is the Urine Mycotoxin test from RealTime Labs. It measures 16 different mycotoxins and is analyzed via competitive ELISA. Another similar test is the Mycotoxins test from Vibrant Wellness. It uses mass spectrometry to measure the levels of 31 different mycotoxins in a urine sample. While most mycotoxin tests use a urine sample, there is a serum-based test from MyMycoLab, which analyzes antibodies to 12 different mycotoxins. 

What are the symptoms of mycotoxin exposure?

Mycotoxin exposure can present as a variety of symptoms depending on the type and length of exposure. Some of the most common symptoms are chronic fatigue, fever, skin rashes, depression, anxiety, ADHD, asthma, sinusitis, nose bleeding, memory loss, and vision loss. Mycotoxin exposure has also been linked to heart disease, rheumatic disease, liver disease, liver and kidney cancers, and various neurological diseases, including autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and MS.