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Compassionate, evidence-based care to help you heal and live the life you choose.
Guiding principles for compassionate, root-cause healing.
Dedicated professionals committed to your health.
Real stories of healing and transformation.
Our founder’s journey to Carnivore and functional medicine.
Expert insights through podcasts, guides, and articles.
$160.00
Persistent sinus congestion, cognitive dysfunction, or fatigue may be driven by MARCoNS—an antibiotic-resistant staph colonization commonly found in individuals with CIRS and low MSH. This nasal swab culture identifies MARCoNS and other bacterial pathogens contributing to inflammation and treatment resistance.
Note: You do not need to experience symptoms to test positive. This test is for Nares Bacterial Culture only.
HSA/FSA-eligible with  Learn how.
Nasal swab
Self-Collection with Return Shipping
Accepted
Review all components in your kit before starting. Label the transport tube with your name, date of birth, and date of collection. Wash hands and put on the provided gloves. Using the included swab, insert 1–2 inches into one nostril and rotate for 3 seconds. (Repeat in the other nostril if desired.) Insert the swab into the transport tube, seal tightly, and follow the included mailing instructions. One swab may be used for both MARCoNS and fungal testing.
MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) is a type of antibiotic-resistant staph that colonizes the nasal cavity. While it doesn’t always cause overt symptoms, it can significantly impact recovery for individuals with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), especially those with low levels of MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone).
Low MSH reduces the body’s ability to fight off colonizations like MARCoNS. This can lead to immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation, even when other root causes have been addressed.
Why MARCoNS Matters in CIRS and Chronic Illness
MARCoNS can interfere with healing by producing biotoxins that suppress MSH further, creating a vicious cycle. It’s often present in individuals with mold exposure, chronic Lyme, multiple chemical sensitivity, autoimmune conditions, or unexplained chronic fatigue.
Even without symptoms, MARCoNS may be disrupting recovery. That’s why testing is a key step in the CIRS diagnostic and treatment pathway.
Symptoms that may be related to MARCoNS include
Note: You do not need to have symptoms to test positive.
What this test includes
This is a Nares Bacterial Culture performed by Microbiology DX. It identifies gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including MARCoNS. If needed, antibiotic susceptibility testing will also be performed.
This order is for bacterial culture only. The same nasal swab can also be used for mold or yeast culture (sold separately).
How the process works
Having the CIRS test result, I wanted to take this test too just to see where I’m at. And I’m grateful for this test as it gives me better understanding at what’s going on in my body. And it’s a good tool too for specific doctors who understand CIRS. Always grateful for NwJ team for having a detailed website.