MARCoNS Nasal Swab Test Kit

Over 250k Biomarkers Tested

MARCoNS Nasal Swab Test Kit

$250.00 AUD

Working through a mould illness or CIRS protocol with your practitioner and they have recommended screening your nasal passage for MARCoNS colonisation?

At-home deep nasal swab screening for MARCoNS (antibiotic-resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci). Used in mould illness and CIRS investigations where nasal colonisation may perpetuate inflammatory symptoms. Includes sensitivity profiling if organisms are detected.

Collection Location
Specimen Type

Your at-home test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you (with free shipping). You do not need to visit a collection centre.

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How At-Home Testing Works

Get tested from the comfort of your home with our simple three-step process.

1
Order your test kit

Order your test kit

Choose the test that's right for you and receive your kit delivered to your door.

2
Collect your sample

Collect your sample

Follow the simple instructions to collect your sample at home.

3
Get your results

Get your results

Receive your results online and get personalised health insights.

Overview

MARCoNS stands for Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci. These are bacteria that colonise the deep nasal passage and form protective biofilms that make them resistant to standard antibiotic treatment. MARCoNS testing is a specialised investigation used primarily within mould illness and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) protocols.

In people with biotoxin illness, immune function is often impaired in ways that allow these resistant bacteria to establish and persist in the nasal passages. MARCoNS colonisation is thought to contribute to ongoing inflammation and neurological symptoms, which is why identifying and addressing it is a standard step in the Shoemaker protocol and related clinical frameworks.

This test uses an at-home deep nasal swab kit. The swab needs to reach the nasopharynx (the back of the nasal passage), not just the nostril entrance. Where MARCoNS organisms are detected, antibiotic sensitivity testing may be performed — your report will confirm whether this was included.

MARCoNS testing is most useful when ordered by a practitioner as part of a structured clinical investigation. A positive result without appropriate clinical context and a clear treatment plan is of limited value on its own. Your practitioner will interpret the result alongside your broader clinical picture and protocol.

Symptoms

This test is used by practitioners investigating mould illness, CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), or persistent symptoms that have not resolved despite other interventions. MARCoNS testing is typically ordered as part of a broader protocol rather than in isolation.

Questions

  • MARCoNS are antibiotic-resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci that colonise the deep nasal passage and form protective biofilms. In people with mould illness or CIRS, colonisation is thought to perpetuate inflammation and neurological symptoms because the bacteria secrete toxins and are difficult to eradicate. Identifying and addressing MARCoNS is a key step in the Shoemaker protocol.
  • MARCoNS colonisation is generally considered relevant in the context of biotoxin illness and immune dysfunction. In otherwise healthy individuals, coagulase negative staph in the nasal passage is common and typically not treated. Your practitioner will assess whether your results are clinically significant given your situation.
  • Because MARCoNS are by definition resistant to multiple antibiotics, the sensitivity profile identifies which agents the specific bacteria detected are still susceptible to. This guides any eradication approach your practitioner may consider.
  • The swab needs to reach the nasopharynx, the back of the nasal passage, rather than just the nostril entrance. Your kit includes specific instructions on technique. Proper insertion depth is important for an accurate result.
  • MARCoNS testing is most useful within a structured clinical investigation. If you order without a practitioner, make sure you have someone qualified to interpret and act on the results before collecting. A positive result without appropriate clinical context and guidance is not useful on its own.
  • Yes. Successful eradication does not prevent recolonisation, particularly if the underlying mould or biotoxin exposure has not been addressed. Your practitioner will advise on retesting and ongoing management as part of your broader protocol.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

How to prepare

- Do not use nasal sprays, nasal rinses, or intranasal medications for at least 24 hours before swabbing, unless your practitioner advises otherwise.
- Avoid antibiotics for at least 4 weeks before testing, unless specifically instructed by your practitioner.
- Do not blow your nose immediately before collection.
- Read and follow the deep nasal collection technique described in your kit. Inserting the swab to the correct depth matters for accuracy.
- Seal the swab as instructed and return it promptly.

After the test

Share your results with the practitioner overseeing your mould illness or CIRS protocol. If MARCoNS is detected, treatment decisions are complex and should be guided by your practitioner, not attempted independently.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

A positive result means coagulase negative Staph was detected in the deep nasal passage. Where MARCoNS are detected, antibiotic sensitivity testing may be performed — your report will confirm whether this was included. A negative result means no MARCoNS were detected at the time of testing. Your practitioner will interpret results in the context of your full clinical picture and protocol.

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