Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex, multi-system illness triggered by biotoxin exposure—often from mold, Lyme, or other persistent pathogens. In individuals with a certain genetic susceptibility, these toxins are not effectively cleared, leading to chronic immune activation, hormonal imbalances, and widespread inflammation.
This Full CIRS Bloodwork Panel is our most comprehensive option for identifying CIRS-related dysfunction. It includes all the major markers used in the Shoemaker Protocol, along with other functional medicine labs to assess metabolic and immune status. These include HLA haplotype, MSH, MMP-9, TGF-β1, ACTH, cortisol, ADH, osmolality, and a full Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) antibody profile, among others. It’s ideal for individuals who suspect they have biotoxin illness or who want to track recovery progress.
You’ll receive a full Empower Functional Health (EFH) analysis, including a detailed report with personalized supplement and lifestyle recommendations, and guidance on your next steps.
Why it matters
CIRS often goes unrecognized in conventional settings because its symptoms mimic many other chronic illnesses. This can lead to years of misdiagnosis or treatment that doesn’t address the root cause. For those who have “tried everything” yet continue to experience debilitating symptoms, this test can provide much-needed clarity.
Key markers in this panel help identify:
- Whether you carry genetic variants (HLA-DR haplotypes) that impair biotoxin clearance
- If your inflammatory markers (C4a, TGF-β1, MMP-9) are elevated
- Dysregulation in neuroimmune and endocrine function, including MSH, ACTH/cortisol, ADH, and osmolality
- Presence of latent or reactivated EBV, which can fuel immune dysfunctio
- Thyroid, metabolic, and cardiovascular markers to round out your broader health picture
These insights allow for more targeted treatment approaches, especially when symptoms haven’t improved with diet, detoxes, or general supplements alone.
Symptoms it may relate to
- Brain fog, memory loss, or poor focus
- Chronic fatigue or unrefreshing sleep
- Hormonal imbalances or low libido
- Unexplained weight gain or resistance to fat loss
- Muscle weakness, joint pain, or fibromyalgia symptoms
- Shortness of breath, cough, or sinus congestion
- Light sensitivity, headaches, or static shocks
- Anxiety, depression, or mood instability
- GI issues like IBS, bloating, or constipation
- Irregular blood pressure, thirst, or POTS symptoms
- Symptoms worsening in water-damaged buildings
What this includes
This panel includes over 30 markers used to assess your susceptibility to CIRS and the degree of immune, inflammatory, hormonal, and metabolic dysregulation. Labs are drawn through LabCorp and interpreted by the Empower Functional Health practitioner team with a detailed analysis and next-step recommendations.
Labs included:
- HLA DR/DQ Haplotype – Identifies genetic susceptibility to biotoxin illness. You only need to test this once in your lifetime.
- Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH) – A key neuroregulatory hormone often depleted in CIRS, affecting immune balance, pain regulation, sleep, and more.
- MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-9) – Indicates immune activation and vascular inflammation; high levels are often found in mold and Lyme-related CIRS.
- TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1) – A potent cytokine that drives chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling; elevated in many CIRS clients and patients.
- C4a (Complement Split Product) – Reflects activation of the innate immune system and is a hallmark marker in mold-related inflammation.
- ACTH & Cortisol – Evaluates pituitary-adrenal function. Dysregulation is common in CIRS, contributing to fatigue and stress intolerance.
- ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) & Osmolality – Assesses fluid and electrolyte balance. Imbalances can lead to excessive thirst, frequent urination, and low blood pressure.
- EBV Antibody Panel – Measures IgG and IgM titers to determine reactivation or past exposure, which can complicate recovery in CIRS and chronic fatigue.
- DHEA-S & Testosterone – Evaluates sex hormone levels, which are often suppressed in CIRS due to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disruption.
- CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – A general marker for systemic inflammation.
- Lipase – Helps assess pancreatic inflammation and digestive enzyme sufficiency.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Provides a snapshot of electrolyte balance, liver/kidney function, glucose, and protein status.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential – Screens for anemia, immune status, and possible hidden infections.
- Ferritin + Iron Panel – Assesses iron storage, transport, and potential hidden inflammation.
- HbA1c – Evaluates long-term blood sugar control, which can be impacted by chronic inflammation or metabolic stress.
- Lipid Panel – Looks at cholesterol and triglycerides, important for cardiovascular health and detoxification.
- Thyroid Panel with Antibodies – Includes TSH, T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG), identifying both functional and autoimmune thyroid dysfunction.
- Magnesium (Serum) – Screens for magnesium levels, which are often depleted in chronic illness and essential for neurological and muscular function.
You’ll also receive Empower Functional Health:
- A personalized written analysis by the EFH practitioner team, with prioritized action steps.
- Supplement, nutrition, and lifestyle suggestions tailored to your results.
- You may also opt to join our CIRS Group for community and practitioner support (additional fees apply).
How it works
- Once you purchase the panel, you’ll receive an email with instructions and a lab requisition form.
- Visit your nearest LabCorp location to complete your blood draw (fasting is recommended unless otherwise advised).
- Results are sent directly to EFH within 3–4 weeks. Once received, results will be reviewed by Empower Functional Health.
- You’ll receive a personalized analysis and actionable next steps via email.
- For in-depth case management or interpretation, a separate 1-on-1 session is recommended.
Important notes
- Not available in NY, NJ, or RI. Available in the U.S. only.
- If you’d like an invoice to submit for out-of-network insurance reimbursement, please note that at checkout.
- For those suffering from chronic Lyme, mold illness, or unresolved inflammation, we recommend pairing this panel with the Empower Functional Health Personalized Health Plan (PHP).
**PURCHASER NOTE: To expedite processing, please include date of birth and gender in ‘Order Notes’ at checkout.
