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. 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. Test results are usually ready in 1 to 3 days.

A titer of 1 to 8 (1:8) means that antibodies can be found when 1 part of the blood sample is diluted by up to 8 parts of a saltwater solution (saline). A larger second number means there are more antibodies in the blood. So a titer of 1 to 128 means there are more toxoplasmosis antibodies in the blood than a titer of 1 to 32.

The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range that your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

Toxoplasmosis antibodies usually form within 2 weeks after being infected. The titer is the highest 1 to 2 months after infection.

• 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.
• Blood samples may be taken over several weeks to see if the number of antibodies is getting higher. This would mean the infection is recent.
• 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.

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