A Guide to Interpreting Your Test Results

Biotoxin Illness Risk Score (BIRS ©) Test

Standard Interpretation (For Most Users)

The BIR score is obtained via logistical regression analysis using both symptoms and the VCS test results as inputs into the model. The BIRS values can range between 0 and 100. Values equal to or larger than 50 indicate a positive screening test result, and likely indicate the presence of biotoxins and/or biotoxin illness and/or downstream effects. Additionally, the larger the BIRS value (i.e. the closer it comes to 100), the more likely the presence of biotoxins and/or Biotoxion Illness.

This version of the test includes a trending graph by date which shows the last highest image answered correctly for each column (A- E) for each test taken. There are 9 total possible number of images for each column; thus, the more images answered correctly the higher the score. For example, if for column A, you got images 1,2,3,4,5,6, and 7 correct but missed 8 and 9, you would receive a score of ”7” for column A. Later, when you took the test again, you got images 1,2,3,4,5,6, 7 and 8 correct but missed 9, you would receive a score of “8” for column A. In general, if you are improving you would see upward trends (especially in rows that showed the greatest deficits).

Trending Graph Examples

Example 1: The BIR score is trending down over time which indicates improvement.

Example 2: Column trends are trending up over time indicating improvement.

Advanced Interpretation (For Advanced Users)

Not all symptoms are of equal importance in the model. We do not disclose the variable relationships and weightings as to not bias the user. Each of relevant symptoms and the VCS test result are utilized as input variables in this model. Each input variable has a different ‘weight of importance’ as determined in an IRB approved and soon to be published study comparing mold cases with controls. In a separate and also soon to be published study, a similar logistical regression model was used to compare Ciguatera cases with controls and the model results were nearly identical to the mold model results. Our research, data and modeling shows that patients suffering from biotoxin related illnesses due to mold, Lyme, Ciguatera, and Pfiesteria share both a common set of symptoms. We also found that all patients in each of these illness groups also had a very high liklihood of failing the VCS test. Thus, our results to date indicate that the same statistical model can accurately screen for any type of biotoxin illness. Further delineation of illness cause must done done via lab tests and history. If present in the right combinations, the symptoms and the VCS test result make for a very useful screening tool.

Your BIR score value depends on which combinations of symptoms are present along with your VCS test result. Let’s look at some examples:

1. The presence of a single symptom in the absence of the other symptoms combined with a negative VCS test makes Biotoxin Illness unlikely. However, do realize that around 10% of individuals who have a Biotoxin Illness still pass the VCS test but almost all of these to date do have some symptoms.
2. The more symptoms one has the higher the BIR score value. The presence of a few of the heavily weighted symptoms and a negative VCS test is usually not strong evidence for the presence of Biotoxin Illness, and the lower BIR scores (<50) values represent that.
3. Depending on the weighting of the symptom reported, the presence of multiple key symptoms and a negative VCS test can result in BIR score values > 50, which is a positive BIRS result. This indicates that biotoxins cannot be ruled out and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
4. The presence several of the important symptoms and a positive VCS test result is fairly strong evidence for the presence of Biotoxin Illness, and the higher BIR score values (usually between 70 and 90) represents that.
5. The presence of many of the key symptoms and a positive VCS test is strong evidence for the presence of Biotoxin Illness and the very high (>90) BIR scores reflect that.
6. If you report no symptoms but still failed the VCS test the model calculates a BIR score of about 5, which is a negative result. However, failure of the VCS test alone in the presence of an undefined illness should warrant further investigation into the presence of biotoxins.

We note that it is possible to get a combination of these symptoms from a combination of other illnesses. However, if one has had a thorough work-up and a cause(s) remains elusive, and you test positive on the BIRS and/or VCS test, the presence of a Biotoxin Illness cannot be ruled out and in fact, should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Quite possibly, you may have a major finding (either the presence of biotoxins, biotoxin-related illness and/or downstream effects). But, to be clear, this screening test does not replace a thorough medical work-up but it can be a useful tool which helps guide patients and practitioner’s in the diagnosis and treatment of biotoxin illnesses.

VCS Test

Standard Interpretation (For Most Users)

Each eye is tested and scored using a proprietary scoring algorithm to determine your ability to discern each image. If you fail in one eye, you fail the over-all test. Regardless of your BIR score value, if you fail the VCS test you should strongly consider an examination with a Biotoxin literate physician.

Advanced Interpretation (For Advanced Users)

There are 9 images (1 through 9) in each of the columns (A through E). The images near the bottom (row 1) have the greatest contrast and the images near the top (row 9) have the lowest contrast. The images on the left (column A) have lines which are spaced further apart (lower spatial frequency) and the images on the right (column E) have lines which are spaced closer together (higher spatial frequency). Biotoxins affect the ability to see these images. In some but not all cases, the high frequency/low contrast images (column E, rows 4- 9) are the first to show deficits, which then can progress to lower spatial frequencies (columns A-D). If the biotoxins are removed and the illness treated, one can see more images and the VCS test deficit decreases. If the patient is re-exposed to a biotoxin, the deficit again occurs.