--- title: "Remington Lab tests menu and information | Sutter Health" description: "The Toxoplasma Serology Lab Test Menu and Information is provided for physicians and medical professionals to read about the current guidelines for the tests listed." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Patient resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources) / 3. [Remington Lab](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory) / 4. Remington Lab tests menu and information # Test menu and information **Section menu** - [Patient resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources "Patient resources") - [Billing and Insurance](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/billing-and-insurance "Billing and Insurance") - [Bioethics services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/bioethics-services "Bioethics services") - [Bioethics team](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/bioethics-services/team "Bioethics team") - [Pacific Employment Program](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/pacific-employment-program "Pacific Employment Program") - [Sutter Care Management](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/sutter-care-management "Sutter Care Management") - [Classes and events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/classes-events "Classes and events") - [Flu and COVID-19 resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/flu-and-covid-19-resources "Flu and COVID-19 resources") - [Health Education Resource Centers](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/health-education-resource-centers "Health Education Resource Centers") - [Language assistance](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/language-assistance "Language assistance") - [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online "My Health Online") - [Help center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center "Help center") - [Account and technical FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/account-technical-questions "Account and technical FAQs") - [Billing and insurance FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/billing-and-insurance-questions "Billing and insurance FAQs") - [Care and clinical FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/care-and-clinical-questions "Care and clinical FAQs") - [Emmie - AI assistant FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/emmie-ai-assistant-questions "Emmie - AI assistant FAQs") - [Sansum patients FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/sansum-patients "Sansum patients FAQs") - [Video Visit FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/video-visit-questions "Video Visit FAQs") - [Register for delivery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/delivery-pre-register "Register for delivery") - [How to enroll](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/enroll "How to enroll") - [Proxy access](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/proxy-access "Proxy access") - [My Health Online teen enrollment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/teen-enrollment "My Health Online teen enrollment") - [On-demand video visit waiting room](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/odvv-waiting-room "On-demand video visit waiting room") - [Patient and Family Advisory Councils](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/patient-advisory-council "Patient and Family Advisory Councils") - [Privacy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy "Privacy") - [Notice of privacy practices](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/hipaa-privacy "Notice of privacy practices") - [Patient rights and responsibilities](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/patient-rights-and-responsibilities "Patient rights and responsibilities") - [Privacy policy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/privacy-policy "Privacy policy") - [Secure Health Information Exchange FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/health-information-exchange "Secure Health Information Exchange FAQs") - [Terms of Use](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") - [Records planning](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning "Records planning") - [Advance Health Care Directive](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/advance-directive "Advance Health Care Directive") - [End of Life Option](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/end-of-life-option "End of Life Option") - [Request Medical Records](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/request-medical-records "Request Medical Records") - [Remington Lab](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory "Remington Lab") - [Clinician information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/clinician-information "Clinician information") - [FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/frequently-asked-questions "FAQs") - [Patient information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/patient-information "Patient information") - [Remington Lab tests menu and information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests "Remington Lab tests menu and information") - [Spiritual care and chaplaincy services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/spiritual-care-and-chaplaincy-services "Spiritual care and chaplaincy services") - [Patient resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources "Patient resources") - [Billing and Insurance](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/billing-and-insurance "Billing and Insurance") - [Bioethics services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/bioethics-services "Bioethics services") - [Bioethics team](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/bioethics-services/team "Bioethics team") - [Pacific Employment Program](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/pacific-employment-program "Pacific Employment Program") - [Sutter Care Management](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/sutter-care-management "Sutter Care Management") - [Classes and events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/classes-events "Classes and events") - [Flu and COVID-19 resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/flu-and-covid-19-resources "Flu and COVID-19 resources") - [Health Education Resource Centers](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/health-education-resource-centers "Health Education Resource Centers") - [Language assistance](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/language-assistance "Language assistance") - [My Health Online](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online "My Health Online") - [Help center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center "Help center") - [Account and technical FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/account-technical-questions "Account and technical FAQs") - [Billing and insurance FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/billing-and-insurance-questions "Billing and insurance FAQs") - [Care and clinical FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/care-and-clinical-questions "Care and clinical FAQs") - [Emmie - AI assistant FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/emmie-ai-assistant-questions "Emmie - AI assistant FAQs") - [Sansum patients FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/sansum-patients "Sansum patients FAQs") - [Video Visit FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/help-center/video-visit-questions "Video Visit FAQs") - [Register for delivery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/delivery-pre-register "Register for delivery") - [How to enroll](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/enroll "How to enroll") - [Proxy access](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/proxy-access "Proxy access") - [My Health Online teen enrollment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/teen-enrollment "My Health Online teen enrollment") - [On-demand video visit waiting room](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online/odvv-waiting-room "On-demand video visit waiting room") - [Patient and Family Advisory Councils](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/patient-advisory-council "Patient and Family Advisory Councils") - [Privacy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy "Privacy") - [Notice of privacy practices](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/hipaa-privacy "Notice of privacy practices") - [Patient rights and responsibilities](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/patient-rights-and-responsibilities "Patient rights and responsibilities") - [Privacy policy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/privacy-policy "Privacy policy") - [Secure Health Information Exchange FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/health-information-exchange "Secure Health Information Exchange FAQs") - [Terms of Use](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/privacy/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") - [Records planning](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning "Records planning") - [Advance Health Care Directive](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/advance-directive "Advance Health Care Directive") - [End of Life Option](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/end-of-life-option "End of Life Option") - [Request Medical Records](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/records-planning/request-medical-records "Request Medical Records") - [Remington Lab](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory "Remington Lab") - [Clinician information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/clinician-information "Clinician information") - [FAQs](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/frequently-asked-questions "FAQs") - [Patient information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/patient-information "Patient information") - [Remington Lab tests menu and information](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests "Remington Lab tests menu and information") - [Spiritual care and chaplaincy services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/spiritual-care-and-chaplaincy-services "Spiritual care and chaplaincy services") **Important Note:** Testing must be ordered by a physician. Results can only be reported to the ordering physician or the referring laboratory. Patients desiring testing and/or test results are advised to consult their physician. We require specimen tubes to be labeled with the patient's name (first and last) and collection date. Unlabeled tubes will not be accepted for testing. We also cannot test grossly hemolyzed samples. ## **Testing requirements and instructions** Many of the tests performed at the Remington Lab require specifics related to sample age, container and shipping conditions. Review these requirements and instructions before shipping a sample to the lab to make sure it’s suitable for testing. - [Serologic specimen requirements](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests#serologic-specimen-req) - [PCR specimen requirements](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests#pcr-specimen-req) - [PCR instructions](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests#pcr-instructions) - [Isolation instructions](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests#isolation-instructions) ## **Testing schedule** Testing is performed at the Remington Lab on weekdays throughout the year. Consult the [holiday schedule](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/frequently-asked-questions#holidays) to find out if the lab is closed on a holiday that falls during the week. ## Lab test menu Effective: January 1, 2023 **IgG (Dye Test)** - Reference range: negative < 1:16; positive > 1:16 - Specimen: serum, CSF - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: 86777 - Fee: $180 - Method Reference: Sabin AB, Feldman HA. Dyes as microchemical indicators of a new immunity phenomenon affecting a protozoan parasite (Toxoplasma). Science108:660-663, 1948. **Alternative IgG** - Reference range: negative < 4, equivocal ≥ 4 to < 8, positive ≥ 8 - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: 86777 - Fee: $180 - Method Reference: De Champs C, Pelloux H, Cambon M, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Goullier-Fleuret A, Ambroise-Thomas P. Evaluation of the second generation IMx Toxo IgG antibody assay for detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in human sera. J Clin Lab Anal. 1997;11(4):214-9. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2825(1997)11:4<214::aid-jcla7>3.0.co;2-8.PMID: 9219063 **Remington IgM ELISA (for patients 6 months of age or older)** - Reference range: negative 0.0-1.6, equivocal 1.7-1.9, positive > 2.0 (serum); negative 0.0 - 0.3, positive > 0.4 (CSF) - Specimen: serum, CSF - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: 86778 - Fee: $185 - Method Reference: Naot Y, Remington J. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii : use for diagnosis of acute acquired toxoplasmosis. J Infect Dis 142:757-766, 1980 **Alternative IgM (for patients 6 months of age or older)** - Reference range: negative < 0 .55, equivocal ≥ 0.55 to < 0.65, positive ≥ 0.65 - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable)CPT code: 86778 - Fee: $185 - Method Reference: De Champs C, Pelloux H, Cambon M, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Goullier-Fleuret A, Ambroise-Thomas P. Evaluation of the second generation IMx Toxo IgG antibody assay for detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in human sera. J Clin Lab Anal. 1997;11(4):214-9. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2825(1997)11:4<214::aid-jcla7>3.0.co;2-8.PMID: 9219063 **Remington IgM ISAGA (for patients less than 6 months of age)** - Reference range: reported as positive or negative - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: 86778 - Fee: $185 - Method Reference: Desmonts G, Naot Y, Remington JS. Immunoglobulin M immunosorbent agglutination assay for diagnosis of acute congenital and acquired toxoplasma infections. J Clin Microbiol 14:486-491, 1981 **Remington IgA ELISA** - Reference range: - Patient > 6 months of age: negative 0.0 - 1.4, equivocal 1.5 - 2.0, positive > 2.1 - Infants < 6 months of age: negative 0.0 - 0.9, positive > 1.0 - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) CPT code: 86777-59 - Fee: $180 - Method Reference: Stepick-Biek P, Thulliez P, Araujo F, Remington JS. IgA antibodies for diagnosis of acute congenital and acquired toxoplasmosis. J Infect Dis 162:270-273, 1990 **Remington IgE ELISA (offered as component of Toxo Panels only)** - Reference range: reported as negative, equivocal or positive - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: 86777-59 - Fee: $175 - Method Reference: Wong S, Hadju M, Ramirez R, Thulliez P, McLeod R, Remington JS. Role of specific immunoglobulin E in diagnosis of acute toxoplasma infection and toxoplasmosis. J Clin Microbiol 31:2952-2959, 1993 **AC/HS (Differential Agglutination)** - Reference range: refer to table - Specimen: serum Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: 86406 (2 units) - Fee: $196 - Method Reference: Danneman B, Vaughn W, Thulliez P, Remington JS. Differential agglutination test for diagnosis of recently acquired infection with Toxoplasma gondii. J Clin Microbiol 28:1928-1933, 1990 **Avidity (IgG (Dye test) and IgM ELISA will also be performed)** - Reference range: high avidity excludes infection within the previous 4 months - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: 86777-59 - Fee: $196 (Includes fee for Remington IgG (Dye test) and Remington IgM ELISA) Method Reference: Pelloux, H. et al. Determination of anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G avidity: adaption to the Vidas system (bioMérieux). Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 32: 69-73, 1998 **PCR** - Reference range: reported as "toxoplasma DNA detected" or "toxoplasma DNA not detected" - Specimen: (refer to PCR Specimen Requirements table) - Volume: (refer to PCR Specimen Requirements table) - Transport temperature: (refer to PCR Specimen Requirements table) - CPT code: 87798 - Fee: $465-$485 (refer to Fee Schedule) - Method Reference: Grover C, Thulliez P, Remington J, Boothroyd J. Rapid prenatal diagnosis of congenital Toxoplasma infection by using polymerase chain reaction and amniotic fluid. J Clin Microbiol 28:2297-2301, 1990. Parmley S, Goebel F, Remington JS. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in cerebro-spinal fluid from AIDS patients by polymerase chain reaction. J Clin Microbiol 30:3000-3002, 1992 **Isolation** - Reference range: reported as positive or negative Specimen: whole blood (EDTA or Citrate preferred), amniotic fluid, placenta and other tissues **NOTE: Specimens must not be frozen or placed in formalin or other fixative. Inoculations are recommended within 48 hours of specimen collection date. Results available in six weeks.** - Volume: 3 ml (fluids); 1 g (solid tissues) - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. - CPT code: 87003 - Fee: $677 - Method Reference: Remington J.S., McLeod R., Thulliez P., Desmonts G. Toxoplasmosis. In Remington J.S., Wilson C.B., Baker C.J. and Klein, J.O. (eds.) Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn Infant, Sixth Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders Company, 2006, pp 1009-1010. **Covid IgG** - Reference range: reported as negative or positive - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C (preferred); ambient (acceptable) - CPT code: 86318 - Fee: $140 - Method Reference: Montoya JG, Adams AE, Bonetti V, Deng S, Link NA, Pertsch S, Olson K, Li M, Dillon EC, Frosch DL. 2021. Differences in IgG antibody responses following BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Microbiol Spectr 9:e01162-21. Renard N, Daniel S, Cayet N, Pecquet M, Raymond F, Pons S, Lupo J, Tourneur C, Pretis C, Gerez G, Blasco P, Combe M, Canova I, Lesenechal M, Berthier F. 2021. Performance characteristics of the Vidas SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG serological assays. J Clin Microbiol 59:e02292-20. **Covid PCR** - Reference range: reported as negative or positive - Specimen: nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swab, oropharyngeal swab - Volume: swab in transport media (viral transport media preferred) - Transport temperature: ambient; 2 – 8° C - CPT code: 87635 - Fee: $155 Method Reference: TaqPath™ COVID-19 Combo Kit INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE, Catalog Number A47814 Publication Number MAN0019181 Revision G.0 ## Panels **IgG/IgM Toxo panel** IgG (Dye Test), Remington IgM ELISA,  Alternative IgG, Alternative IgM - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 to 1.0 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: Refer to individual tests above - Fee: $350 **Toxoplasma pregnancy panel (16 weeks gestation or earlier)** IgG (Dye Test), Remington IgM ELISA, Avidity - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 to 1.0 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: Refer to individual tests above - Fee: $546 **Toxoplasma pregnancy panel (more than 16 weeks gestation)** IgG (Dye Test), Remington IgM ELISA, AC/HS, Avidity - Specimen: serum - Volume: 0.5 to 1.0 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: Refer to individual tests above - Fee: $742 **Toxoplasma infant panel (less than 6 months of age)** - Specimen: serum - Volume: 1.0 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: Refer to individual tests above - Fee: $515 **Toxoplasma panel (6 months of age or older)** IgG (Dye Test), Remington IgM ELISA, Remington IgA ELISA, Remington IgE ELISA, AC/HS - Specimen: serum - Volume: 2.0 ml - Transport temperature: 2 – 8° C. (preferred); ambient or frozen (acceptable) - CPT code: Refer to individual tests above - Fee: $876 Testing requirements and instructions **Serologic specimen requirements** | Specimen type | Specimen age | Container | Shipping conditions | Recommended volume | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Serum**
**(Toxoplasma and Covid)** | Up to one week when stored refrigerated; Indefinite when stored frozen | Serum-Separator tube or red-top tube (Centrifuge specimen and if possible, send serum only) | Cold pack or frozen preferred 20-25oC acceptable; Overnight delivery | **3 ml** | | **CSF**
**(Toxoplasma)** | Up to one week when stored refrigerated; Indefinite when stored frozen | Sterile tube | Cold pack or frozen preferred 20-25oC acceptable; Overnight delivery | **1 ml** | - Our specimen requirement for serologic testing is 3 ml of serum from a serum-separator tube or a red-top tube (minimum 0.5 ml, but this quantity may be insufficient for repeat testing). Please centrifuge the specimen, and **if possible, send serum onl**y. Grossly hemolyzed, icteric, lipemic, and bacterially contaminated specimens cannot be tested. Serum specimens can be sent at ambient temperature. - **THE PATIENT'S NAME AND COLLECTION DATE MUST APPEAR ON SPECIMEN LABEL**. Unlabelled specimens will not be tested. - **Please contact our laboratory at** [**650-853-4828**](tel:16508534828) **for specimens that do not meet these requirements.** For specimens not meeting our requirements, testing can still be performed when authorized by the client. - **Please contact our laboratory at** [**650-853-4828**](tel:16508534828) **for specimens that are less than the recommended volume.** Specimens received with less than recommended volumes may be insufficient for repeat testing. **Preferred Conditions for Processing (PCR) specimen requirements** #### PCR validated specimens The following samples have been validated for Toxoplasma testing in our laboratory: - Amniotic fluid - Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) - Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) - Ocular fluids - Serum - Solid tissues - Urine - Whole blood  #### PCR reports Toxoplasma PCR results will be reported as follows: - "Toxoplasma gondii DNA not detected." - "Toxoplasma gondii DNA detected."  Preferred Conditions for Processing, Storing, and Shipping Specimens for Toxoplasma PCR Testing1 | Specimen
type | Specimen
age | Shipping
conditions | Minimum volume1 | Recommended volume1 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Amniotic fluid**
(collected at ≥18 weeks gestation) | Up to one month when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen | 2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs preferred;
frozen acceptable;
overnight delivery | 3 ml | 10 ml | | **BAL** | Up to one month when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen | 2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs;
frozen acceptable;
overnight delivery | 3 ml | 10 ml | | **CSF** | Up to one month when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen | Frozen preferred;
2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs acceptable;
overnight delivery | 0.4 ml | 1 ml | | **Ocular fluids**
(vitreous and aqueous) | Up to one month when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen | Frozen preferred;
2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs acceptable;
overnight delivery | 0.1 ml | 0.5 ml | | **Serum** | Up to one month when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen | Frozen preferred;
2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs acceptable;
overnight delivery | 1 ml | 5 ml | | **Whole blood**
**Bone marrow** | Up to 2 days
**(DO NOT FREEZE)** | EDTA or citrate tube;
20 – 25° C preferred;
overnight delivery | 1 ml | 5 ml | | **Urine** | Up to one week when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen | 2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs preferred;
frozen acceptable;
overnight delivery | 6 ml | 10 ml | | **Solid tissues** | Up to 24 hours when stored refrigerated; indefinite when stored frozen;
NO preservatives | Frozen preferred;
2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs acceptable;
overnight delivery | 25 mg | 50 mg | Covid PCR results will be reported as follows: - "Positive" - "Negative"  Preferred Conditions for Processing, Storing, and Shipping Specimens for Covid PCR Testing1 | Specimen
type | Specimen
age | Shipping
conditions | Volume1 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Nasopharyngeal Swab** | Up to five days when stored ambient or refrigerated | Ambient; 2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs;
overnight delivery | Swab in transport media (viral transport media preferred) | | **Oropharyngeal Swab** | Up to five days when stored ambient or refrigerated | Ambient; 2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs;
overnight delivery | Swab in transport media (viral transport media preferred) | | **Nasal Swab** | Up to five days when stored ambient or refrigerated | Ambient; 2 – 8° C on
ice or cold packs;
overnight delivery | Swab in transport media (viral transport media preferred) | 1_The Remington Laboratory will test specimens that deviate from these conditions. However, sensitivity might be compromised. Please contact our laboratory at_ [_650-853-4828_](tel:16508534828) _for any questions about testing specimens that do not conform to these conditions._ **PCR Instructions** #### General instructions **Specimen types and requirements** [PCR specimen requirement table](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests#pcr-specimen-requirements) **Shipment** Send specimens for PCR testing to this address: **Dr. Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics**795 El Camino Real, Ames Building Palo Alto, CA 94301 Ship samples for PCR testing separately from other samples. All samples received for PCR testing will be prepared for testing, and will not be suitable for return. A serum specimen for Toxoplasma serologic testing must accompany Toxoplasma PCR test requests for any patient not recently tested in our laboratory. The minimum request for Toxoplasma serologic testing must include IgG and IgM. There is an additional charge for testing this serum. #### Amniotic fluid It is recommended that amniocentesis for toxoplasmosis PCR be performed at a minimum of 18 weeks gestation. A serum sample from the mother must accompany the amniotic fluid, unless she has been previously tested in our laboratory. **Specimen** DNA for our PCR procedure is obtained from pelleted amniotic fluid. **Volume** 10 ml **Shipment** Ship amniotic fluid on wet ice or cold packs sufficient to maintain temperature of 2 - 8° C. during shipment; frozen acceptable. Include enough dry ice to keep specimen frozen during shipment. #### Cerebrospinal, Vitreous or Aqueous Fluid **Specimen** A serum sample from the patient must accompany the fluid, unless serum has been recently tested in our laboratory. **Volume** 1 ml **Shipment** Freeze sample immediately after collection. Ship sample on dry ice by overnight courier. Include enough dry ice to keep specimen frozen during shipment. #### Covid PCR **Specimen** Nasal swab, oropharyngeal swab, or nasopharyngeal swab **Volume** Swab in transport media (viral transport media preferred) **Shipment** Ship nasal swab, oropharyngeal swab, and nasopharyngeal swab ambient or with cold packs sufficient to maintain temperature of 2 – 8°C during shipment. **Isolation Instructions** #### General instructions **Specimen types and requirements** Whole blood (EDTA or Citrate preferred), amniotic fluid, CSF and other body fluids, placenta and other tissues **Shipment** Send specimens for Isolation testing to this address: **Dr. Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics** Attention: Isolation 795 El Camino Real, Ames Building Palo Alto, CA 94301 **Ship each sample for Isolation testing in a separate sealed bag from other samples**. All samples received for Isolation testing will be prepared for testing, and will not be suitable for return. **Note: Isolation is a costly and labor intensive procedure. Once started, it may not be cancelled.** **NOTE:** Specimens must **NOT** be frozen or placed in formalin or other fixative. Inoculation for isolation is recommended within **48 hours of specimen collection date**. Results available in six weeks. #### Preferred conditions for processing, storing, and shipping specimens for isolation testing | SAMPLE TYPE | STORAGE | SHIPPING CONDITIONS | MINIMUM VOLUME**1** | RECOMMENDED VOLUME**1** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Amniotic Fluid, CSF and other body fluids** | Store sterilely, keep cool (NOT FROZEN) with ice bag or frozen cold packs. | 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs preferred; overnight delivery; **DO NOT FREEZE** | 1 ml | 3 ml | | **Whole Blood (EDTA, citrate, ACD tubes preferred; clot tubes (red top) accepted)** | Keep cool (NOT FROZEN) with ice bag or frozen cold packs. | 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs preferred; overnight delivery; **DO NOT FREEZE** | 1 ml | 3 ml | | **Placenta** | Store sterilely in sterile saline (NO FORMALIN OR OTHER PRESERVATIVE, DO NOT FREEZE). Penicillin (100 units per ml) and Streptomycin (100μgm/ml) or gentamicin (10- 40 mg/ml) should be added. Keep cool (NOT FROZEN) with ice bag or frozen cold packs. | 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs preferred; overnight delivery; **DO NOT FREEZE** | 1g\* | 5g | | **Other Tissues** | Store sterilely in sterile saline (NO FORMALIN OR OTHER PRESERVATIVE, DO NOT FREEZE). Keep cool (NOT FROZEN) with ice bag or frozen cold packs. | 2 – 8° C on ice or cold packs preferred; overnight delivery; **DO NOT FREEZE** | 1g\* | 5g | **1The Remington Laboratory may test specimens that deviate from these conditions with client authorization. However, sensitivity might be compromised. Please contact our laboratory at** [**650-853-4828**]() **for any questions about testing specimens that do not conform to these conditions.** **\*Please note: smaller amounts of some tissues are accepted due to accessibility and difficulty of collection.** ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Remington Lab tests menu and information | Sutter Health","description":"The Toxoplasma Serology Lab Test Menu and Information is provided for physicians and medical professionals to read about the current guidelines for the tests listed.","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests#breadcrumblist"}} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory/serology-tests#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Patient resources","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Remington Lab","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/remington-laboratory"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Remington Lab tests menu and information"}]} ```