Infection from mold exposure is tricky to diagnose. Symptoms of mold exposure overlap many other diseases like Lyme disease, liver disease. The point to note is that mold exposure needs treatment first and foremost. Mold exposure leads to an increase in the number of mycotoxins in the human body and homes. Testing for mold exposure consists of lab tests and home testing kits. The latter is more of a prevention measure. Testing for mold exposure using lab tests is critical in determining the level of mycotoxins in the body. Results aid in further treatment and cure for diseases related to mold exposure. The physician recommends a blood sample, urine test, or nasal swab for testing for mold exposure.
Immunoglobin (IgG) or radioallergosorbent blood done indicates the level of antibodies in the blood. IgG positive indicates mold exposure. This test diagnoses mold exposure in mucous membranes, lungs, and skin. Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF Beta-1) is produced in platelets, bone marrow, fibroblasts, thymus. Elevated levels indicate mold exposure. The IgG testing for mold exposure is done repeatedly throughout treatment to verify the levels are decreasing.
Complete Blood Count (CBC), Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT), and Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) tests need doing to start treatment for mold exposure. The CBC is a test that measures the red blood, white blood cells, and platelets. Deficiency points to anemia, fatigue, weakness, fever, or excessive bruising. The CMP is a set of 14 blood tests. A rough check of the liver, kidney function, diabetic, fluid, and electrolyte balance. The GGT is an enzyme test. Indicates the liver’s capacity to tackle toxicity.
Thyroid and growth hormone blood tests show mold toxins levels. Thyroid function assessed by Triiodothyronine (free T3 or total T3) test. Free T3 level in the low-normal range show sugar levels is high. Mold toxins are generated easily in the body. Free T3 levels in the high range make the body antifungal. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) level in your blood determines whether the body produces growth hormone. HGH (human growth hormone) injections are needed to increase growth hormone production.
Nasal swab or nasal mucous culture for three days indicates mold infection. Urine mycotoxins test indicate and show secretion of toxins in a patient’s urine. Patient passing mycotoxins in urine indicate the body has been exposed to molds and is detoxing toxins to clear them. Test repetition looks for decreasing mycotoxins during treatment and response to treatment.
Testing for mold exposure also uses home testing kits. Environmental Mold and Mycotoxin Assessment (EMMA) kit uses a small amount of dust from a home’s air conditioning filter or heating unit filters. Another popular kit is a microbial growth medium filled in a petri dish. Exposure of petri dish to air for a time and then incubated or cultured indicates mold growth in homes.
Mold infection is becoming common and tricky to diagnose. Timely testing for mold exposure prevents diseases that could be chronic or fatal. It applies to both body and home environment. Prevent dampness combined with regular testing for mold exposure helps in the long run.
