Is mold toxicity behind how you feel?

The Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) test measures your ability to detect fine visual patterns at different contrast levels. Biotoxins — including mold mycotoxins — impair the optic nerve's ability to process mid-range spatial frequencies (6–12 cycles per degree), producing a characteristic pattern of visual deficits. The VCS test has ~92% sensitivity for detecting CIRS-pattern illness and a <1% false positive rate in unexposed populations.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is an acquired inflammatory condition triggered by exposure to biotoxins from water-damaged buildings, tick bites, dinoflagellates, or other sources. In genetically susceptible individuals (~24% of the population), the immune system cannot clear biotoxins, leading to a self-perpetuating inflammatory cascade affecting virtually every body system.

No. This is a wellness screening tool only and cannot diagnose any condition. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice or creates a provider-patient relationship. A positive screening result means your results are consistent with patterns commonly seen in biotoxin-related illness — it does not confirm a diagnosis. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns.

When both the VCS test and symptom questionnaire are positive, the combined screening accuracy is 98.5% based on Shoemaker's clinical data across tens of thousands of patients. VCS alone achieves ~92% sensitivity with <1% false positive rate. False negatives are more common in teenagers, visual professionals (artists, photographers), and those with naturally high baseline contrast sensitivity.

A computer, tablet, or phone with a reasonably modern screen (130+ PPI recommended), a quiet room with dim ambient lighting, and corrective glasses or contacts if you normally wear them. The built-in calibration process adjusts for your screen's specific gamma and PPI to ensure valid results.

You receive a detailed report showing your visual contrast sensitivity results (per-eye CSF curve), symptom cluster analysis, exposure risk profile, and pattern analysis. Risk-stratified next steps include suggested laboratory tests to discuss with a provider and links to practitioners trained in Shoemaker Protocol.

Yes. Black mold, often Stachybotrys chartarum, produces mycotoxins that can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms such as brain fog. In genetically susceptible people (roughly 24% of the population), mold exposure can trigger Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a self-perpetuating inflammatory illness affecting multiple body systems. The VCS test on this site screens for the neurological effects of biotoxin exposure.

Small patches under about 10 square feet on hard, non-porous surfaces can often be cleaned with proper protective equipment. Mold on drywall, or any area larger than roughly 10 square feet, usually requires removing the affected material and professional remediation. The most important step is fixing the moisture source first, because mold returns if the underlying water problem is not corrected.