Toxoplasma IgG Antibody (Serum/Plasma)
This test checks for antibodies to the parasite *Toxoplasma gondii*, which your immune system produces after exposure. It helps determine if you’ve been infected in the past.
["This test assesses past exposure to Toxoplasma, a parasite that can affect the immune system and sometimes the eyes or brain."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8040-8
- Short code
- T gondii IgM Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- T gondii IgM Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, fever, or muscle aches that could suggest an infection. It’s also used before certain surgeries (like heart or eye procedures) to check for prior exposure, especially if you’re immunocompromised or pregnant.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has likely been exposed to Toxoplasma in the past. A negative result suggests you’ve never been exposed or have very low levels of antibodies.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order this test to evaluate symptoms of toxoplasmosis, screen for past infection before high-risk procedures, or monitor conditions like HIV or organ transplants where Toxoplasma can be a concern.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgG Antibody to Toxoplasma
Frequently asked questions
If you have a positive IgG result, it doesn’t mean you’re currently infected. However, it’s important for certain medical decisions, such as planning pregnancy or undergoing surgery. If you’re immunocompromised, a positive result may require additional testing to check for active infection.
IgG antibodies typically stay in your system for years after exposure. This test is often used as a screening tool rather than a diagnostic test for active infection, which would require additional testing like IgM or parasite detection.
No, this test does not detect active infection. If you’re experiencing symptoms like fever, muscle pain, or vision changes, talk to your doctor about whether other tests are needed to check for current infection.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy