The Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) test is a quick way to screen your visual contrast sensitivity — that is, how well you can detect patterns when there isn’t a lot of contrast.
This simple test can reveal potential neurological issues related to conditions like Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), mold illness, Lyme disease, and other toxicant-related illnesses.
Read on to learn more about the VCS test and how it’s used.
What the VCS Test Measures and Why It’s Important
The VCS, or Visual Contrast Sensitivity test, measures your ability to distinguish an object from its background, especially when the contrast between the two is low.
Impaired VCS can indicate neuro-inflammatory stress and potential neurological issues.
Reasons for taking the VCS test
The VCS test is often used as a screening tool for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and mold or biotoxin illness, since biotoxins have been shown to impair visual contrast sensitivity as quickly as 24 to 36 hours after exposure.
The VCS test can also be used to monitor visual-neurologic function during detox, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), or other brain health protocols.
Finally, it can help doctors evaluate unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or that foggy-headed feeling.
How the VCS test works
The VCS test is simple and quick. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to take it.
Test procedure
The test is administered on a calibrated screen in a well-lit room. You’ll be sitting about 18 inches from the screen.
You’ll cover one eye and then the other, as you try to identify faint patterns on the screen. When you see a pattern, you’ll click to indicate that you’ve seen it.
Duration and results
The test usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
You’ll get immediate results — a simple pass/fail, along with your raw scores.
Your results are available online right away, and you can also print them out if you want to share them with your doctor.
Interpreting VCS Test Results
If you fail the VCS test, it could mean you have CIRS or a mold/biotoxin illness. Keep in mind, though, that the test isn’t a definitive diagnosis. If you’re concerned about your results, you’ll need to consult with a qualified healthcare provider for further testing.
The test has been shown to be accurate about 92% of the time, but false negatives can and do occur.
Some people, about 8% of the population, consistently show false negatives on the VCS test. Teenagers, especially young women, and people in certain occupations have a higher chance of receiving a false negative result.
How the VCS Test Fits into a Treatment Plan
The VCS test can help confirm if you’ve been exposed to biotoxins. The results can also help your doctor decide if you need more tests, such as a QEEG or a NeuroQuant MRI.
The VCS test can also help track your recovery during detox or other brain health treatments. Because the system tracks your results over time, you and your doctor can compare your scores and see how you’re doing.
Closing Thoughts
The Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) test is an inexpensive and easy way to screen for neuro-inflammatory stress. It can help you and your doctor identify potential health issues, like possible biotoxin exposure, and monitor how well a treatment is working.
Keep in mind that a VCS test is just one piece of the puzzle. Always talk with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.