Biotoxin Mold Illness Panel Blood Test
Mold is often called the "silent killer" due to its subtle yet serious impact on health. Its symptoms can be mistaken for a host of other health conditions. This panel provides insights into mold-related illnesses; it helps facilitate an understanding of your exposure and risks.
Concerned about mold exposure?
This panel tests for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and osmolality.
This panel contains the following tests and was designed specifically for people who are working with a Shoemaker Certified doctor or a medical practitioner who has special training or experience in mold illness. To find such a doctor, please use this website:
- Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9)
- Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
- Osmolality
Biotoxin illness refers to the cause of a person's illness. All biotoxin illnesses have one common denominator - toxins being produced by living things. Symptoms of biotoxin illness can be similar to that of fibromyalgia, chronic sinus infections, or chronic fatigue syndrome. These include: allergies, headaches, coughing, GI problems, body aches, burning or watery eyes, fever, anxiety, mood swings, and more.
Mold is a key element of indoor air contamination that few people understand; yet, is one of the most common causes of biotoxin illness. What many people also don't realize is that mold can make you extremely sick, or even kill you. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all molds have the potential to cause ill health.1 The tests contained in this panel look at the complex cascade of events throughout multiple inflammatory pathways produced by biotoxin mold exposure.2
Instructions
Fasting is not required. Take all medications as prescribed.
Note
This panel was designed with the cooperation of Dr. Shoemaker. All tests in this panel are performed by LabCorp. The tests that Dr. Shoemaker recommends be obtained through QUEST (VEGF, VIP, C3a and C4a) are not part of this panel. Due to a testing methodology change, TGF-B1 is no longer included with this panel.
This blood test panel may not be ordered as a kit and must be collected at a LabCorp Service Center. Please call ahead to your LabCorp location several weeks before your planned visit to ensure the required Trasylol Kit (LabCorp supply #33328) is available, which is not routinely kept as inventory.
Results typically take up to 14 business days from date of collection; however, due to the complexity of the tests included in this panel, additional delays may occur to ensure accuracy of reported results. Please allow up to 30 days to receive the final report. Do not schedule any appointments to review these results with a healthcare professional less than 30 days from the date of collection. Life Extension cannot expedite results processing.
References
†The laboratory services are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of Heal Yes! and National Diagnostics, Inc., and Life Extension to provide specific medical advice but, rather, to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice including diagnosis and treatment will not be provided. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Both the physician and the testing laboratory are independent contractors with whom Heal Yes! outsources with National Diagnostics, Inc., who makes arrangements for your blood tests. Neither Heal Yes! nor National Diagnostics, Inc., nor Life Extension will be liable for any acts or omissions of the physician, the testing laboratory, or their agents or employees. See our disclaimers and terms.
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Heal Yes! does NOT test on animals - not our raw ingredients or finished formulas.
We're proud to be certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny:
Leaping Bunny leads the cruelty-free makeup standard and holds certified companies accountable.
PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has certified Heal Yes! as cruelty-free as part of their commitment to preventing animal cruelty and testing.
NOTE: While cruelty-free products are not tested on animals, they may still contain animal-derived ingredients. It's always important to vet ingredients carefully to ensure they align with your values and quality standards. For instance, while a product might be vegan, this does not inherently guarantee its quality or ethical sourcing, either. Additionally, some brands may use trendy ingredients like tallow or emu oil, which are often associated with unethical obtainment practices. Therefore, it's essential to thoroughly research and consider both the cruelty-free and vegan status of products, as well as the ethical implications of their ingredient sources.
Why Ensure Cruelty-Free
Opting for cruelty-free makeup offers benefits that appeal to consumers who prioritize ethical and sustainable choices. Consider these benefits of choosing cruelty-free makeup:
Animal Welfare Advocacy: Choosing cruelty-free makeup sends a message to the cosmetics industry that there is a demand for products that are not tested on animals. This encourages more brands to adopt cruelty-free practices and promotes a shift toward animal-friendly alternatives.
Personal Values Alignment: For individuals who value animal rights and welfare, using cruelty-free makeup allows them to align their personal values with their purchasing choices. It provides peace of mind that their beauty routine is in line with their ethical beliefs.
Product Safety and Quality: The development of cruelty-free makeup often involves the use of alternative testing methods such as in vitro testing, computer modeling, or relying on existing safety data. These methods can provide accurate assessments of product safety and quality without the need for animal testing. Caveat: while supporting small and often at-home brands can be an amazing choice, do ensure they have rigorous testing methods in place, which can be atypical for super small at-home brands without professional lab and testing experience to implement.
Innovation and Scientific and Societal Advancements: The wonderful shift toward cruelty-free cosmetics encourages the development and adoption of innovative, animal-free testing methods. This stimulates scientific advancements in non-animal testing techniques, benefiting both the cosmetics industry and other areas of scientific research.
Environmental Considerations: Many cruelty-free brands also prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Not all, but many. They often employ eco-friendly packaging, use sustainable, natural, and, ideally, organic ingredients, and promote environmentally conscious practices, reducing their impact on the planet.
Consumer Awareness and Transparency: The rise of cruelty-free makeup has led to increased awareness among consumers about animal testing and ethical choices. This encourages brands to be more transparent about their practices and ingredients, providing consumers with the information they need to make informed choices.
Overall, the benefits of cruelty-free makeup extend beyond personal use, encompassing animal welfare, ethical values, innovation, and environmental consciousness. By choosing cruelty-free options, consumers contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable beauty industry that we need to continue to challenge and encourage to be at its best.
The use of the terms "comedogenic" and "non-comedogenic" (as well as "natural" and "hypoallergenic") in the beauty industry is primarily based on manufacturers' claims, creating a landscape where different companies employ various approaches to determine the comedogenicity of their products:
Some manufacturers conduct their own assessments, utilizing methodologies that may include ingredient analysis, historical data, expert opinions, or existing research to support their claims.
Smaller boutique and home-made brands might use the terms and have no testing back-up at all.
It's imperative to note that the absence of standardized guidelines means that the terms "comedogenic" and "non-comedogenic" are not regulated by authoritative bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Therefore, the lack of consistent definitions or thresholds for what constitutes comedogenic or non-comedogenic further adds to the uncertainty.
Given the absence of regulatory oversight and standardized criteria, it is wise to approach claims of comedogenicity with some skepticism. What may be comedogenic for one person may not be for another, as individual skin types and responses can vary significantly. . . .
Relying on personal experiences, recommendations from trusted sources, and seeking guidance from dermatologists or skincare experts can help in finding products that suit your specific needs and skin type. It is also essential to evaluate each ingredient as well as the overall formula when assessing potential comedogenic effects.
Sometimes an ingredient that may be personally considered comedogenic can still function well within the synergy of the entire formula. This refers to how the ingredients work together to create a product that may not cause adverse reactions:
For instance, some might regard certain organic oils and waxes as comedogenic. Shea butter, for instance, is a hydrating 'yes' to many but a no-go for some; however, in a gentle formula with proper emulsifying counterpart ingredients and natural solvent-functioning ingredients, shea butter could still bode well and not make the overall formula "comedogenic."
Conversely, a seemingly impressive ingredient panel can still trigger a negative response in some individuals.
We all have unique needs and tolerance levels, so finding the right products may involve some trial and error. Therefore, it is advisable to find formulas backed with friendly return/exchange policies and, whenever possible, consider samples to test on your skin before committing to full sizes.
Taking these precautions can help minimize the risk of reactions and allow you to make more informed decisions when selecting makeup products for your sensitive skin!
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