Toxoplasma gondii - IgG Test

A toxoplasmosis test is a blood test that checks for antibodies to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Your body's natural defense system (immune system) will make these antibodies only if you have been infected by this tiny parasite. A toxoplasmosis test is done to check if a: Pregnant woman has antibodies from a toxoplasmosis infection. If she has the IgG type of antibody, that means an infection occurred in the past and the baby does not have a chance of becoming infected. If she has the IgM type of antibody, that means the infection is recent and the baby does have a chance of becoming infected. Baby has toxoplasmosis. Person with a weakened immune system, such as someone who has HIV, has a chance of getting a toxoplasmosis infection.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant and have contact with a cat or clean a cat's litter box. Before your blood is drawn, let your doctor know if you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine. Else no special measures to be taken before the test, just one thing, make sure you wear clothes in which it’s easy to take a blood sample.

The results of the test are usually given in titers. If high titers of the IgM type of antibody are found, it means the infection is recent. If high titers of the IgG type of antibody are present, it means an infection occurred in the past. Low titers that do not get higher usually mean the infection occurred in the past. After you have had toxoplasmosis, you cannot be infected again.

Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein. Then the healthcare provider will clean the site with a swab of rubbing alcohol. They’ll then insert the needle into a vein and attach a tube to fill with blood. After drawing enough blood, they’ll remove the needle and cover the site with a gauze pad. Apply pressure to the site and then a bandage.