Toxoplasma IgG

Description: 
Qualitative chemiluminescent immuno-assay for IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Used to routinely screen prior infection in transplant and immunocompromised patients. Samples giving equivocal results will be sent to a reference laboratory for clarification. Toxoplasma IgG appears in the first few weeks after infection and persists for life. False negative results can occur in those with hypogamamglobulinaemia or severe immunosuppression but are unusual. Further evaluation such as avidity testing may be helpful if accurate timing of acquisition is important (e.g. in pregnancy). Is a standard component of a glandular fever screen. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri.

Clinical details: 
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that causes Toxoplasmosis. The parasite is found in undercooked meat, raw meat, and cat faeces. Most infections are asymptomatic but may be associated with myalgia and cervical lymphadenopthy which resolve without treatment. Toxoplasmosis is one of the commonest causes of chorioretinitis in adults who acquire infection in infancy. Serious complications can occur in individuals with immune deficiencies where reactivation of latent cysts can lead to brain abscesses, chorioretinitis and other manifestations. For pregnant women it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects with the babies developing jaundice and suffering seizures or brain defects.
Related condition or disease: 
Fever, myalgia, stillbirth, toxoplasmosis, lymphadenopathy or glandular fever
Reference range: 

Not applicable

Synonyms or keywords: 
Toxo Ab
Units: 
Qualitative - Detected/Not Detected
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Turnaround time: 
3 working days
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis please store samples in refrigerator if a delay in sending samples to CSR is unavoidable.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 17/06/2022