Question 76 of 433
Should I be tested for mold toxins or heavy metals?
The short answer
SKIP urine mold tests and “provoked” metal tests. A plain blood test for lead or mercury is valid when there is a real exposure.
Urine mycotoxin tests are not validated; healthy people have these compounds in their urine from ordinary food. “Provoked” testing gives you a chelating drug and then measures metals in your urine. The drug pulls metals out of everyone, so everyone tests “high.” Toxicology societies call it misleading and potentially harmful, and it often leads to chelation, which I cover in Part 20.
If you worked with lead, live in old housing under renovation, or eat a great deal of large ocean fish, ask for an ordinary blood lead or mercury level.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
PROFESSIONAL CONSENSUS — Suspected exposure: validated standard tests; urine mycotoxin and provoked-metal wellness testing are unsupported.Evidence grade (draft mapping)GGuideline-based / consensusPart 5, Q76 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.