MycoTOX Profile (Mold Exposure)
Urine
Performed by: Mosaic Diagnostics
What Is the MycoTOX Profile?
The MycoTOX Profile is a specialized urine test designed to detect multiple mycotoxins—harmful chemicals produced by molds found in food and indoor environments. Common sources include grains, spices, nuts, and areas with water damage, leaks, or humidity issues in homes and workplaces. This test uses creatinine correction to adjust for urine concentration, allowing for more reliable results and easier monitoring over time.
Why Test for Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxin exposure is a frequent concern worldwide, especially through contaminated foods and poor indoor air quality. While healthy people often clear low-level exposures, recurring or elevated exposure can cause non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, sinus congestion, respiratory irritation, or skin problems. Those living or working in moisture-damaged buildings, with asthma, or with environmental sensitivities may face higher risks. Importantly, the MycoTOX Profile identifies exposure—not specific diseases—empowering targeted prevention and remediation.
Who Should Consider MycoTOX Testing?
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Unexplained, ongoing symptoms with potential mold or moisture issues at home or work
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Diets high in stored grains, nuts, spices, or red yeast rice supplements
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Monitoring after building mold remediation
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Environmental illness evaluation in collaboration with a healthcare provider
How to Prepare for the Test
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Follow all lab urine collection and shipping instructions.
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Maintain regular hydration and avoid excessive drinking or fasting before testing.
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Inform your clinician of any medications or supplements, especially binders like charcoal or clays, which can alter results.
Interpreting Your MycoTOX Results
| Result Category | Interpretation | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Not Detected / Low | Minimal recent exposure; normal clearance | Maintain current routines; retest only if needed |
| Borderline / Moderate | Possible ongoing exposure; tighten food storage and review environment | Make changes, then retest in 6–12 weeks |
| Elevated | Substantial recent exposure | Reduce sources, retest after 6–12 weeks, consult clinician |
Note: MycoTOX results show exposure, not the exact source or organ harm. Combine them with food/supplement audits and environmental assessments for best outcomes.
What to Do If Results Are Elevated
Reduce Mycotoxin Exposure from Food and Supplements
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Buy high-quality brands of grains, cereals, nuts, nut butters, and spices; discard products with musty odors or visible mold.
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Store dry goods in sealed containers in cool, dry areas; avoid long storage in humid conditions.
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Carefully select red yeast rice (Monascus) supplements—citrinin contamination is possible. Use trusted brands or pause use until consulting a clinician.
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Diversify your diet to minimize the risk from repeated exposure.
Improve Indoor Air and Surfaces
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Repair leaks, condensation issues, and maintain indoor humidity around 40–50%.
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Increase room ventilation; use HEPA vacuums and damp-wipe dusty surfaces.
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For persistent odors or suspected hidden mold, hire an indoor environmental professional. Large-scale contamination usually requires professional remediation.
Supportive Measures (Talk to Your Doctor)
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Some clinicians recommend binders (like activated charcoal) separately from medications and probiotics; antioxidants (e.g., glutathione) may also be suggested. Evidence for each varies, and the focus should remain on removing sources.
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Prescription antifungals only treat confirmed fungal infections, not simple mycotoxin exposure.
Retesting and Tracking Progress
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Retest in 6–12 weeks after making dietary and environmental changes or after completing remediation.
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Use consistent collection methods for every test and track steps taken—this helps correlate interventions to results.
Limitations and Medical Guidance
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MycoTOX testing cannot pinpoint the exact source of mycotoxins or diagnose illnesses.
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Always interpret results with your healthcare provider and consider other laboratory findings and exposure history.
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Seek medical attention for severe or worsening symptoms.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the main metabolite of aflatoxin B1, which is a mycotoxin produced by the mold species Aspergillus. Aflatoxins are some of the most carcinogenic substances in the environment. Aflatoxin susceptibility is dependent on multiple d
Learn moreChaetoglobosin A (CHA) is produced by the mold Chaetomium globosum (CG).
Learn moreDihydrocitrinone (DHC) is a metabolite of Citrinin (CTN), which is a mycotoxin that is produced by the mold genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Monascus.
Learn moreEnniatin B is a fungal metabolite categorized as cyclohexa depsipeptides toxin produced by the fungus Fusarium. This strain of fungus is one of the most common cereal contaminants.
Learn moreGliotoxin (GTX) is produced by the mold genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus spreads in the environment by releasing conidia which are capable of infiltrating the small alveolar airways of individuals.
Learn moreGliotoxin (GTX) is produced by the mold genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus spreads in the environment by releasing conidia which are capable of infiltrating the small alveolar airways of individuals. In order to evade the body’s defenses Aspergillu
Learn moreMycophenolic Acid is an antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral mycotoxin acid. It is produced by the Penicillium fungus. Mycophenolic Acid is an immunosuppressant which inhibits the proliferation of B and T lymphocytes. Mycophenolic Acid e
Learn moreMycophenolic Acid is an antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral mycotoxin acid. It is produced by the Penicillium fungus. Mycophenolic Acid is an immunosuppressant which inhibits the proliferation of B and T lymphocytes. Mycophenolic Acid e
Learn moreOchratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, and carcinogenic mycotoxin. This chemical is produced by molds in the Aspergillus and Penicillium families.
Learn moreRoridin E is a macrocyclic trichothecene produced by the mold species Fusarium, Myrothecium, and Stachybotrys (i.e. black mold). Trichothecenes are frequently found in buildings with water damage but can also be found in contaminated grain.
Learn moreSterigmatocystin (STG) is a mycotoxin that is closely related to aflatoxin. STG is produced from several species of mold such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Bipolaris. It is considered to be carcinogenic, particularly in the cells of the GI tract a
Learn moreVerrucarin A (VRA) is a macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxin produced from Stachybotrys, Fusarium, and Myrothecium. Trichothecenes are frequently found in buildings with water damage but can also be found in contaminated grain. VRA is a small, amphipa
Learn moreZearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin that is produced by the mold species Fusarium, and has been shown to be hepatotoxic, haematotoxic, immunotoxic, and genotoxic. ZEA is commonly found in several foods in the US, Europe, Asia, and Africa including wheat
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