Toxoplasma IgM

Description: 
Qualitative chemiluminescent immuno-assay for IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Used to aid in diagnosis of acute infection. Samples giving positive or equivocal results will be sent to a reference laboratory for confirmation. IgM levels are detectable within 2 weeks of infection but may persist for months. A positive IgM and negative IgG in the right clinical situation is strongly suggestive of acute toxoplasmosis. A repeat sample should be sent after 3 weeks to demonstrate the appearance of IgG antibodies. Failure of IgG to appear makes the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis unlikely. A routine part of a glandular fever screen. This assay is available routinely Mon to Fri.
Clinical details: 
Acute toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic. Cases can present with fever, myalgia and cervical lymphadenopathy. Acute toxoplasmosis has important implications to pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriage or severe congenital malformations. Further testing can be organised if the timing of acquisition is important.
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