Test Code LAB3310 Toxoplasma gondii Antibody, IgM and IgG, Serum
Secondary ID
39857Useful For
Determining whether a patient has had previous exposure to or recent infection with Toxoplasma gondii
IgG is not useful for diagnosing infection in infants younger than 6 months of age. IgG antibodies in this age group usually are the result of passive transfer from the mother.
Profile Information
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
TXM | Toxoplasma Ab, IgM, S | Yes | Yes |
TOXGP | Toxoplasma Ab, IgG, S | Yes | Yes |
Method Name
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI)
Reporting Name
Toxoplasma Ab, IgM and IgG, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Aliquot tube
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Heat-inactivated specimen | Reject |
Reference Values
Toxoplasma IgM
Negative
Toxoplasma IgG
Negative
Toxoplasma IgG Value
≤9 IU/mL (Negative)
10-11 IU/mL (Equivocal)
≥12 IU/mL (Positive)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Cautions
Diagnosis of recent infection by Toxoplasma gondii can only be established by a combination of clinical and serological data.
The result of a single serum specimen does not constitute sufficient proof for diagnosis of recent infection. If a serum specimen was collected too soon after infection, IgM antibodies to T gondii may be absent. If this is suspected, a second serum specimen should be collected 2 to 3 weeks later and the test repeated.
Sera collected very early during the acute stage of infection may have Toxoplasma IgG levels below 9 IU/mL. The Toxoplasma IgG assay should not be used alone to diagnose recent T gondii infection. Results should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation, patient history, and other laboratory findings.
Results should be interpreted with caution in patients who are either HIV-positive, receiving immunosuppressive therapy, or have other disorders leading to immunosuppression.
Heterophile antibodies in the patient specimens may interfere with the assay performance.
As with any low prevalence analyte, there is the increased possibility that a positive result may actually be false, reducing the assay's positive predictive value. Per the Public Health Advisory (07/25/1997), the US Food and Drug Administration suggests that sera found to be positive for T gondii IgM antibodies should be submitted to a Toxoplasma reference laboratory.
The performance characteristics of this assay have not been evaluated in immunocompromised individuals and have not been established for cord blood or for testing of neonates.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory

CPT Code Information
86778-Toxoplasma IgM
86777-Toxoplasma IgG
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
TXMGP | Toxoplasma Ab, IgM and IgG, S | 88746-3 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
TOXG | Toxoplasma Ab, IgG, S | 40677-7 |
TXM | Toxoplasma Ab, IgM, S | 40678-5 |
DEXG6 | Toxoplasma IgG Value | 8039-0 |
NY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.Testing Algorithm
For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm