Description
About the Panel
RealTime Lab’s Total Mycotoxin Panel detects sixteen of the most toxigenic mycotoxins, including 9 macrocyclic trichothecenes that have been proven to be caused by Stachybotrys, otherwise known as “Black Mold.” Testing is done using competitive ELISA, a highly sensitive detection method that uses antibodies prepared against mycotoxins.
All mycotoxin testing results are displayed in an easy-to-understand, numeric format, showing detection levels in parts-per-billion (ppb) as standardized by the FDA, WHO, CDC and Food industry for clinical use. Results also tell if the toxins in the sample were present, not present, or equivocal, along with ranges of detection for each.
HOW ARE WE EXPOSED TO MYCOTOXINS?
Common mycotoxin exposure can happen at home, school, work, and even your food!
HOME / SCHOOL / WORKPLACE
– New construction materials are more suited for mold growth.
– Peroxide, steam, UV light, ammonium chloride have proven ineffective in killing mold spores.
– Killing mold does not eliminate risk, which come from mold fragments and mycotoxins.
MOLD COLONIZATION / INFECTION
– Known areas of colonization include the nasal cavities and intestines.
– About 25% of patients with elevated mycotoxin levels have detectable mold in their body.
– Common types of molds that colonize include Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium.
FOOD
– Mycotoxins in food are regulated in the US by the USDA.
– USDA regulations say that most mycotoxins are limited to below 4 parts per billion.
– Studies of foods such as coffee, wine, grains have shown negligible amounts of mycotoxins.
What We Test For
Ochratoxin A
Ochratoxin is produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungal species. Ochratoxin A is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, causing various cancers and kidney diseases with prolonged exposure. This toxin has been determined through research to be a contributing factor in Balkan Endemic Nephropathy.
Aflatoxin Group
Aflatoxins are produced by at least 20 different Aspergillus sp. These toxins generally come from food intake and environmental exposure to the aflatoxin producing organisms. These toxins are carcinogenic, causing cancer in the liver and kidneys. They are also mutagenic causing detrimental genetic alterations to DNA that lead to cancer and immunosuppression. B1, G1, and M1 are considered the most toxic among this group. Chronic exposure is called aflatoxicosis which manifests as hemorrhaging, acute liver damage, edema, digestion problems, and eventually death.
Macrocyclic Trichothecene Group
Macrocyclic Trichothecenes are produced by Myrothecium, Podostroma, Stachybotrys, Calcarisporium, Cercophora, Cylindrocarpon, Dendrodochium, Phomopsis, and Verticinimonosporium fungal species. These compounds are common contaminants of grains, building materials, and HVAC systems. Exposure can result in skin necrosis, gastrointestinal tract lesions, hypotension, inflammation, cardiovascular alterations, bone marrow damage, immunosuppression, corneal injury, reproductive farm, diarrhea, weight loss, central nervous system toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and genotoxicity.
Gliotoxin-Derivative
Gliotoxin is produced by Aspergillus, Candida, Eurotium, Trichoderma, Neosartorya, Penicillium, and Acremoniumfungal species. Gliotoxin exposure generally comes from environmental exposure and ingestion of contaminated food sources. Gliotoxin has immunosuppressive properties, causes damage to DNA, and aids in the pathogenicity of invasive fungal infections. A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger are some of the most prevalent producers of Gliotoxin and these invasive organisms can be found in the blood of immunocompromised patients.
Zearalenone
Zearalenone is produced by Fusarium sp. It is a common food contaminant and production by fungi increases in warmer climates. Zearalenone acts as an estrogen mimic, causing disorders of the reproductive system in both sexes. Additionally, zearalenone is carcinogenic, immunotoxic, and hematotoxic.
Why a mycotoxin urine test?
We primarily test for mycotoxins through a patient’s urine since it is non-invasive and the most stable option. We do have an option to test mycotoxins using a tissue sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mycotoxin testing?
Mycotoxin testing detects the presence of harmful mycotoxin metabolites caused by mold or fungi in the body or home with a Urine or Environmental test.
What does a positive mycotoxin test mean?
It means that you have detectable levels of mycotoxins in the sample tested. After receiving a positive test you should consult your doctor for further testing and advice.
How can mycotoxins be detected?
Mycotoxins can be detected with urine or home dust sample using one of our mycotoxin test kits.
