July 30, 2025
5 minutes
After years of helping people navigate mold illness, I can tell you this: wondering if mold is affecting your health is exhausting. The brain fog, fatigue, and mysterious symptoms that seem to come from nowhere leave you questioning everything.
But here's what I've learned - guessing won't get you answers. Testing will.
If you're dealing with unexplained symptoms and suspect mold exposure, getting the right lab tests can finally give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
What Are Mold Toxicity Tests?
Lab tests for mold exposure check different parts of your body and environment for signs of mold toxins. These aren't the same as home mold test kits you buy at the hardware store.
Medical mold tests look for:
Mold toxins in your urine or blood
How your immune system is reacting
Whether your body's detox pathways are overwhelmed
Environmental mold in your living space
Think of these tests as detective work. They help piece together the puzzle of what's happening inside your body.
Why You Need Testing (Not Guessing)
I've seen too many people spend months or years trying random treatments without knowing what they're actually dealing with. It's like trying to fix a car engine without looking under the hood.
Here's the truth: mold affects everyone differently. Your symptoms might look completely different from your neighbor's, even if you're both exposed to the same mold.
Testing gives you:
Proof of what's happening in your body
A clear starting point for healing
Peace of mind that you're not imagining things
Information to share with healthcare providers
Without testing, you're just guessing. And guessing keeps you stuck.
Top Lab Tests for Mold Exposure
Let me walk you through the most helpful tests I recommend to people in my practice. Each one tells a different part of your story.
Urine Tests
Organic Acids Test (OAT) This test shows how your body processes food and toxins. It's like getting a report card on your internal systems.
The OAT can reveal:
Mold or yeast overgrowth
Gut health issues
Nutrient deficiencies
Detox pathway problems
MycoTOX Test This checks your urine for 11 common mold toxins. It's one of the most popular tests for confirming mold exposure.
What makes it special: It shows current toxin levels in your body, not just past exposure.
Microbial Organic Acids Test (MOAT) MOAT looks for bacterial or fungal overgrowth that might be affecting your gut, detox pathways, or immune function.
MOAT + Yeast Culture This combines urine and stool testing to check for fungal imbalances, especially Candida. It's perfect if you suspect both mold and yeast issues.
Mycotoxins (Urine) A straightforward test that checks your urine for mold toxins. It's useful for confirming current or past mold exposure.
Blood Tests
Mold Allergies IgE (Blood) This test checks if your immune system is having classic allergic reactions to mold. Think sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes.
Toxiplex (Mycotoxins in Blood) Tests your blood for circulating mold toxins. It's helpful for identifying internal mold exposure that's affecting your whole system.
Candida EliSpot (Blood) This test identifies whether your immune system is still actively fighting Candida overgrowth.
Aspergillus EliSpot (Blood) Detects immune system reactions to Aspergillus, one of the most common indoor mold strains.
CBC (Complete Blood Count) A basic blood test that checks for inflammation, infection, anemia, and overall health. It's a good foundation test.
HLA-DR Mold Genetic Test This test looks at whether you carry gene types linked to mold sensitivity. Some people are just more likely to react to mold exposure.
Environmental Tests
Environmental Mold + Mycotoxins Test This tests dust or surfaces in your home for mold spores and toxins. It's crucial because you need to know what you're breathing every day.
Special Screening
VCS Vision Test A quick online test that checks if neurotoxins are affecting your vision. It's not definitive, but it's a helpful screening tool.
Which Test Should You Start With?
If you're just beginning your mold journey, I usually recommend starting with these three:
MycoTOX Test - Shows current mold toxin levels
CBC - Gives overall health picture
Environmental Test - Checks your living space
These give you a solid foundation to understand what's happening in your body and environment.
If you have gut symptoms too, add the MOAT + Yeast Culture.
If you want to understand your genetic sensitivity, include the HLA-DR test.
How to Get Tested
The good news? You don't have to hunt around for these tests or wonder which lab to use.
I've made it simple by putting all of these lab tests in one place on our website. You can find everything we've talked about - from the MycoTOX test to environmental testing - right on our lab tests page.
No more calling around to different labs or trying to figure out which test is which. Everything is there, explained clearly, so you can order exactly what you need for your situation.
Pro tips:
Timing matters: If you're doing a urine test, avoid taking antifungals or probiotics for a few days before testing. They can affect your results.
Sample collection: Most tests use first-morning urine or a simple blood draw. Follow the lab's instructions exactly for accurate results.
What Happens After Testing
Getting test results is just the beginning. The real work starts when you use those results to create your healing plan.
Your results might show:
High mold toxin levels (time for serious detox)
Genetic sensitivity (you'll need extra environmental protection)
Gut issues alongside mold (address both together)
Normal levels (look for other causes of symptoms)
If you test positive for mold toxins, don't panic. This is actually good news because now you know what you're dealing with. Your next steps include:
Clean your environment first (no point detoxing while still getting exposed)
Support your body's natural detox pathways
Address any gut issues that showed up
Work with a practitioner who understands mold illness (like us)
If your tests come back normal, that doesn't mean your symptoms aren't real. It might mean:
You've already cleared the toxins but still need gut healing
Your symptoms have a different root cause
You need different tests or retesting after provocation
Working with practitioners: Find someone who actually understands these test results. Not all doctors know how to interpret specialty mold tests. Look for functional medicine doctors, environmental physicians, or practitioners trained in mold illness.
And we’re always here if you need help - all you need to do is get in touch or book a consultation.
Remember, testing is a tool, not a cure. But it's the tool that helps you stop guessing and start healing with purpose.
The clarity that comes from knowing what you're dealing with is worth every penny spent on proper testing. Trust me - your future self will thank you for getting answers instead of continuing to wonder.
Your health deserves more than guesswork. It deserves real answers that lead to real healing.
