Toxoplasmosis test

A toxoplasmosis test is done to find out if someone has antibodies from toxoplasmosis infection. Usually it's done to check for infection:

• During pregnancy, if exposure to toxoplasmosis is suspected. You and your baby may be tested.
• In people with weakened immune systems, such as someone with HIV.
• In people with symptoms of toxoplasmosis.

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.

Test results are usually ready in 1 to 3 days.

The results of the test are usually given in titers. A titer is a measure of how much the blood sample can be diluted with a saltwater solution (saline) before the antibodies can no longer be found. Two types of antibodies are measured during the test: IgM and IgG.

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

You probably have never had a toxoplasma infection.

You probably have or have had a toxoplasmosis infection.

• If high titers of the IgM type of antibody are found, it means the infection is current or recent.
• If high titers of the IgG type of antibody are found, it means an infection occurred in the past.