Serum Toxoplasma IgM

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

This test is done to detect an acute or recent infection with Toxoplasma gondii, which is a parasitic organism that causes toxoplasmosis. An IgM antibody response is produced by the immune system early in the course of an infection, so the presence of IgM antibodies in the blood can indicate a recent or current infection.

When this test is required

This test may be requested when a healthcare provider suspects that a person has recently been infected with Toxoplasma gondii. It may also be requested when a pregnant woman has a positive IgG test result for Toxoplasma and her healthcare provider wants to determine if the infection is recent or not.

What the Test Detects

This test measures the presence and amount of IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in the blood.

Preparation for the Test

No special preparation is required for this test.

Sample Requirements

A blood sample is required for this test.

Additional Notes

If a pregnant woman is infected with Toxoplasma for the first time during pregnancy, there is a risk of the infection being passed to the fetus. It is important to discuss the test results with a healthcare provider to determine the next steps in monitoring and treatment, if necessary.

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