Mycotoxins can invade our homes, workplaces, outdoor environments, and our bodies. Mycotoxins are toxic elements that are produced by various fungi or molds. Your patients may be exposed to these biological toxins, which can create adverse health effects that impact their energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health. Symptoms may vary for your patients and mimic other conditions; thus, mycotoxin diagnosis often gets overlooked and can go undiagnosed.
Luckily, there is a reliable mycotoxin screen that can be ordered for these patients who are suspected of mycotoxin-related illness. The Total Mycotoxins Panel by RealTime Laboratories can provide insights into the levels of mycotoxin exposure, enabling tailored treatment strategies to reduce exposure levels and improve overall health outcomes.
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What is the Total Mycotoxin Panel by RealTime Laboratories?
The Total Mycotoxin Panel by RealTime Laboratories can asses for 16 different mycotoxins that can wreak havoc on your patient's health. This lab's doctors and scientists have thoroughly researched these mycotoxins to determine the most clinically significant mycotoxin markers to assess. Your patients can complete this mycotoxin panel simply through a urine sample as the least invasive and most stable option.
This test detects the top common mycotoxin groups that can impact health, including Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, Macrocyclic, and Trichothecenes. The testing method used is ELISA, which is highly sensitive to mycotoxin antibodies. Detection levels of these mycotoxins are displayed for clinical use as parts-per-billion (ppb) as standardized by the FDA, WHO, CDC, and Food industry. The results of this test will uncover the presence of each mycotoxin tested and their present levels.
Which Patients Are the Total Mycotoxin Panel Best Used For?
Mycotoxin exposure can lead to a wide variety of harmful health effects. When considering this test for your patients, you will want to look at their possible chronic exposure, as these toxins can be present in their homes or work. You may need to take a thorough intake on patients you suspect have mycotoxin-related symptoms, such as unexplained immune issues, chronic fatigue, consistent sinus problems, neuropathy, worsening asthma, cognitive issues, increased chemical sensitivities, or depression. The intake should evaluate their physical surrounding environments and may include a history of water damage or leaks in the building they are most often in.
They should also be asked if they've smelled mold in their environments, as this smell can usually indicate mold issues. Having a family history of allergies can increase their susceptibility to mold reactions and should be assessed as well. Conditions that stem from mold toxicity also include lung disease, neurotoxicity, decreased kidney or lung function, immune suppression, mood imbalances, anemia, congenital disabilities, digestive issues, skin disruptions, and even cancer.
What Does the Total Mycotoxin Panel Measure?
The Total Mycotoxin Panel measures 16 of the most common mycotoxins known to be toxigenic and impact human health, including the mycotoxin groups, Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, Macrocyclic Trichothecenesand, and Gliotoxins. It will also assess for black mold caused by Stachybotrys.
This test will assess for Aflatoxins that can be consumed through food or contacted in environments that have been known to be carcinogenic or create liver, kidney, and gut problems. Ochratoxins are also measured because they are considered toxic to the kidneys. Toxins from Macrocyclic Trichothecenes can come from grains, buildings, and HVAC, causing digestive, metabolic, skin, cardiovascular, immune, metabolic, reproductive, and nervous system issues. Glitoxins are produced from some of the most common fungi, such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Penicillium, and can cause immunosuppression and DNA damage. If you suspect that your patient has been chronically exposed to mold, this test should be utilized to detect the levels of these mycotoxins.
How to Use the Total Mycotoxin Panel by RealTime Laboratories in Clinic
Here are the instructions for the Total Mycotoxin Panel for your patients:
Preparation Before Sample Collection:
- Avoid collecting samples during your period.
- No other preparation is needed for the collection.
Urine Sample Collection:
- The best time to collect is first-morning urine.
- Use the provided conical cup.
- Transfer the urine into a specimen tube and only fill the tube halfway.
- Place the cap on the tube and safely secure it.
- Make sure to put your name, date of birth, and collection date and time on the collection tube.
- Complete the provided lab requisition form.
Handling and Sending Samples:
- Put the sample in a biohazard bag.
- Place the bag in the provided test kit box.
- Place the test kit box with the sample in the freezer until it can be shipped.
- You must ship the sample within 48 hours.
- Send samples using the prepaid mailer and keep the tracking number.
Results and Follow-Up:
Results generally take 7-14 days after the lab gets the samples, but they are not guaranteed.
The provider will provide notification of the results and schedule a follow-up time.
Additional tests may be necessary to identify further factors related to symptoms.
Labs to Consider for Further Refinement of Treatments
Here are some other functional labs from RealTime Laboratories to consider:
Total Mycotoxin Panel Follow-Up
Customized detox and avoidance plans may be required based on the patient's lab results. These plans can involve educating patients on reducing toxin exposure through lifestyle changes, providing tailored nutrition guidance for enhanced toxin elimination, and suggesting specific supplements. It's advisable to schedule a retest in 3-6 months to track progress and fine-tune treatment strategies as needed.
EMMA
EMMA stands for Environmental Mold and Mycotoxin Assessment. The EMMA test assesses for molds and mycotoxins in the patient's environment. It analyzes the 16 mycotoxins of the total mycotoxin panel and adds an additional evaluation of the 12 most toxigenic molds. Instead of doing a spore count as what was done with the Total Mycotoxin Panel, they will be utilizing a fungal count Dx test that shows fungal elements. This testing function allows for greater sensitivity so molds that were once undetectable can be detected. Samples of the patient's HVAC filter or a swab of an area with suspected mold is sent in for testing. This test can be combined with the Total Mycotoxin Panel to determine the exact exposure location so it can be properly removed.
Candida Panel
Candida is considered an invasive fungal infection. This fungus can cause gastrointestinal, skin, urogenital, or systemic issues. There are five candida species that cause over 90% of issues in humans. The Candida Panel can detect these top five candida species that can negatively impact health. This test utilizes PCR technology for sensitivity to identify these five candida species within patients. If your patient is suspected of being susceptible or sensitive to fungus or mold, this test should also be considered in conjunction with the Total Mycotoxin Panel.
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Summary
If your patient is spending time in environments that are at risk for mold, such as damp or water-damaged buildings, or they have unexplained immune or fatigue issues, a mycotoxin screening may be indicated for them. Mycotoxin exposure and diagnosis are often overlooked and should be explored for relevant patients, as this exposure can lead to chronic health issues, including cancer. The Total Mycotoxin Panel can assist in detecting the common mycotoxins that are responsible for mycotoxin-related issues. Clinical and environmental history will be crucial in determining the specific routes of treatment actions to take for these patients. Keep in mind that additional tests may be needed, such as the EMMA test, to find the culprit of the mycotoxin exposure. Once all of these elements are examined for your patient, comprehensive treatment can be implored to remove the exposure, eliminate the toxins from their body, and restore their health.
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