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HelpTest Code TOXGPD Toxoplasma gondii Antibody, IgG
Additional Codes
| Software | Test Code |
|---|---|
| Label Text | TOXGPD |
| EPIC | LAB9410 |
Performing Laboratory
NorDx Laboratories - Scarborough Campus
Useful For
Determining whether a patient has had previous exposure to or recent infection with Toxoplasma gondii
This test is not useful for diagnosing infection in infants younger than 6 months of age. In that age group, IgG antibodies usually are the result of passive transfer from the mother.
Method Name
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
Reference Values
Negative
Days and Times Test Performed
Monday through Friday, exclusive of select holidays
Report Available
Up to 4 days
Specimen Type
Serum
Preferred Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Preferred Volume
Serum: 1.0 mL (Serum Separator Tube (SST))
Minimum Volume
Collecting minimum volumes can result in a need for sample recollection, and/or a delay in results. Minimum volumes are subjective and cannot account for all aspects of specimen and testing needs. Refer to the Preferred Volume section for optimal volumes for laboratory specimens.
Serum: 0.3 mL (Serum Separator Tube (SST))
Specimen Collection and Handling
Spin specimen, separate from clot and send refrigerated.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen (below -20o C) | Up to 5 cycles |
Must be spun/separated within 2 hours.
Add On Capable
Yes
Advance Beneficiary Notice Requirements
No ABN Required
CPT Code Information
| CPT Code | CPT Description | CPT Disclaimer |
|---|---|---|
| 86777 |
Toxoplasma |
Clinical Significance
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite capable of infecting a variety of intermediate hosts, including humans. Infected definitive hosts (cats) shed oocysts in feces that rapidly mature in the soil and become infectious.(1) Toxoplasmosis is acquired by humans through ingestion of food or water contaminated with cat feces or through eating undercooked meat containing viable oocysts. Vertical transmission of the parasite through the placenta can also occur, leading to congenital toxoplasmosis. Following primary infection, T gondii can remain latent for the life of the host; the risk for reactivation is highest among individuals who are immunosuppressed.
Seroprevalence studies performed in the United States indicate approximately 9% to 11% of individuals between the ages of 6 and 49 have antibodies to T gondii.(2)
Infection of immunocompetent adults is typically asymptomatic. In symptomatic cases, patients most frequently present with lymphadenopathy and other nonspecific constitutional symptoms, making definitive diagnosis difficult to determine.
Severe-to-fatal infections can occur among patients with AIDS or individuals who are otherwise immunosuppressed. These infections are thought to be caused by reactivation of latent infections and commonly involve the central nervous system.(3)
Transplacental transmission of the parasites resulting in congenital toxoplasmosis can occur during the acute phase of acquired maternal infection. The risk of fetal infection is a function of the time at which acute maternal infection occurs during gestation.(4) The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis increases as pregnancy progresses; conversely, the severity of congenital toxoplasmosis is greatest when maternal infection is acquired early during pregnancy. A majority of infants infected in utero are asymptomatic at birth, particularly if maternal infection occurs during the third trimester, with sequelae appearing later in life. Congenital toxoplasmosis results in severe generalized or neurologic disease in about 20% to 30% of the infants infected in utero; approximately 10% exhibit ocular involvement only, and the remainder are asymptomatic at birth. Subclinical infection may result in premature delivery and subsequent neurologic, intellectual, and audiologic defects.
Performing Location
NorDx Laboratories