A toxoplasmosis, Opens dialog test is a blood test that checks for antibodies, Opens dialog to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, Opens dialog. Your body's natural defense system (immune system, Opens dialog) will make these antibodies only if you have been infected by this tiny parasite. The amount and type of antibodies you have shows whether your infection is recent or occurred in the past. More than one blood test may be done over several weeks.
For most people, toxoplasmosis isn't dangerous and goes away on its own. But if you become infected during pregnancy, the infection can get passed to the fetus. It can cause blindness and brain damage in the fetus.
You can be infected by eating food such as undercooked or raw meat from an infected animal or by handling an infected cat or its stool (feces). After being infected, most people will have antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii.
To see if your growing baby is infected, the test can be done on a sample of the fluid that is around your baby (amniotic fluid, Opens dialog) taken during amniocentesis, Opens dialog.
Why It Is Done
A toxoplasmosis test is done to find out if someone has antibodies from toxoplasmosis infection. Usually it's done to check for infection:
- During pregnancy, if exposure to toxoplasmosis is suspected. You and your baby may be tested.
- In people with weakened immune systems, such as someone with HIV.
- In people with symptoms of toxoplasmosis.
How To Prepare
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
How It Is Done
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
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How It Feels
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
Risks
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Results
Test results are usually ready in 1 to 3 days.
The results of the test are usually given in titers. A titer is a measure of how much the blood sample can be diluted with a saltwater solution (saline) before the antibodies can no longer be found. Two types of antibodies are measured during the test: IgM and IgG.
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
Normal
You probably have never had a toxoplasma infection.
Abnormal
You probably have or have had a toxoplasmosis infection.
- If high titers of the IgM type of antibody are found, it means the infection is current or recent.
- If high titers of the IgG type of antibody are found, it means an infection occurred in the past.
Credits
Current as of: September 10, 2024
