The Mini CIRS Panel is a streamlined bloodwork bundle that provides the most essential markers for evaluating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), including genetic predisposition and inflammatory signatures. This panel is a good starting point for clients and patients who suspect mold or biotoxin illness but want to begin with core testing before pursuing a full mold illness workup.
Tests can be completed at any LabCorp location (LabCorp access required), and results will be reviewed by Empower Functional Health with a comprehensive written interpretation.
Why it matters
CIRS is a multi-system inflammatory illness triggered by exposure to biotoxins, commonly from mold, Lyme, or water-damaged buildings. The Mini CIRS Panel evaluates whether your body is showing the immune and hormonal patterns associated with this condition.
If you’ve hit a plateau with clean eating, carnivore, keto, or other healing diets, and still experience fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, weight gain, or unexplainable symptoms, it may be due to an unresolved biotoxin illness.
This panel helps identify whether you carry a CIRS-susceptible HLA haplotype, and whether markers like MSH, TGF-β1, or C4a show signs of ongoing inflammation or immune dysregulation. These results guide the clinical decision of whether to proceed with a full CIRS protocol, and where to begin.
Symptoms it may relate to
- Fatigue, malaise, or post-exertional crashes
- Brain fog or memory problems
- Anxiety or mood swings
- Sleep disruption or light sensitivity
- Shortness of breath or increased thirst
- Frequent urination or POTS symptoms
- Joint or muscle aches
- Sinus issues or MARCoNS history
- Chronic weight gain or inability to lose weight
- Recurrent infections or autoimmune flares
What this includes
This panel includes the following LabCorp-accessible markers:
CIRS-Specific Markers
- HLA DR1/3/4/5, DQ Intermediate Resolution – Determines your genetic susceptibility to CIRS.
- Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH) – Master neuroregulator often suppressed in CIRS.
- TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1) – Marker of systemic immune overactivation.
- Complement C4a – Indicates innate immune system activation; often elevated in CIRS.
- MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-9) – Marker of blood-brain barrier integrity and systemic inflammation.
General Health Markers
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- Lipid Profile with Non-HDL CholesterolÂ
Optional Add-On
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Antibody Profile – Screens for past or reactivated EBV infections which may complicate recovery from CIRS.
- You only need to test for your HLA haplotype once.
- You may also opt to join our CIRS Group for community and practitioner support (additional fees apply).
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
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- 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 most suffering from chronic Lyme, CIRS, 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.
