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. This test is not UKAS accredited
- 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
- Reference range
Not applicable
- Units
- Qualitative - Detected/Not Detected
- Synonyms
- Toxo ab
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Infection Sciences : Blackfriars Hub
- Laboratory
- Virology
- Sample type and volume required
- 2.5 - 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
- 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.
- Turnaround time
- 3 working days
- Contacts
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas’ Hospital
Phone: 020 7188 8008
St Thomas’ Hospital
North Wing – 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EHSouth London Specialist Virology Centre
Phone – Results: 02032996155
Phone – Medical Advice: 02032996298
King’s College Hospital
Cheyne Wing, 2nd Floor (opposite Liver ITU)
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
DX address: South London (PHL) Kings DX 6570200 Peckham 90SE