Toxoplasmosis Test

A Reference toxoplasmosis Opens New Window test is a blood test that checks for Reference antibodies Opens New Window to the Toxoplasma gondii Reference parasite Opens New Window. Your body's natural defense system (Reference immune system Opens New Window) will make these antibodies only if you have been infected by this tiny parasite. The amount and type of antibodies you have shows whether your infection is recent or occurred in the past. More than one blood test may be done over several weeks.

For most people, toxoplasmosis is not dangerous and goes away on its own. But if a pregnant woman becomes infected and passes it on to her growing baby (Reference fetus Opens New Window), it can cause blindness and brain damage in the fetus.

You can become infected by eating food such as undercooked or raw meat from an infected animal or by handling an infected cat or its stool (feces). After you have been infected, you will have antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii for the rest of your life, so you cannot be infected again.

To see if your growing baby is infected, the test can be done on a sample of the fluid that is around your baby (Reference amniotic fluid Opens New Window) taken during Reference amniocentesis Opens New Window.

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