Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG & IgM)

What is the Toxoplasma Antibodies (IgG & IgM) test?

The Toxoplasma Antibodies test measures IgG and IgM antibodies produced in response to Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasitic infection. Humans may acquire infection through undercooked meat, contaminated food or water, or contact with cat faeces.

IgM antibodies usually appear first and suggest recent or active infection, while IgG antibodies develop later and indicate past exposure and immunity. Testing both markers together provides a clearer timeline of infection.

This test is widely used in pregnancy screening, immune status assessment, and investigation of unexplained symptoms.

Why do I need a Toxoplasma Antibodies test?

Most healthy adults have mild or no symptoms, but toxoplasmosis can be serious in certain situations. Identifying immune status or recent infection is clinically important.

You may need this test if you:

• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Have been exposed to cats or undercooked meat
• Have flu-like symptoms with unclear cause
• Have weakened immunity
• Are being assessed for congenital infection risk
• Need confirmation of past exposure or immunity
• Have abnormal ultrasound findings during pregnancy
• Require screening due to occupational exposure

Testing helps guide risk assessment and follow-up, especially in pregnancy.

Benefits of the test

1. Distinguishes recent vs past infection
   IgM and IgG provide infection timing insight.
2. Essential in pregnancy screening
   Helps assess fetal transmission risk.
3. Identifies immunity status
   IgG positivity indicates past exposure.
4. Supports investigation of unexplained symptoms
   Useful when infection is suspected.
5. Important for immunocompromised patients
   Identifies reactivation or exposure risk.
6. Simple blood-based testing
   Requires only one blood sample.
7. Widely clinically recognised
   Standard parasitic infection assessment.
8. Guides further monitoring if needed
   Helps determine follow-up strategy.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician draws a blood sample
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile phlebotomist
• Blood sample taken at your home or hotel
• No need to attend a clinic
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

IgG negative / IgM negative (no evidence of infection)

• No antibodies detected
• UK standard: Negative
• Suggests no prior exposure and no current infection

IgG positive / IgM negative (past infection)

• IgG detected, IgM absent
• UK standard: IgG positive, IgM negative
• Indicates previous exposure and likely immunity

IgM positive (recent or active infection)

• IgM detected (with or without IgG)
• UK standard: IgM positive
• Suggests recent or ongoing infection and requires clinical correlation

In pregnancy, further confirmatory testing may be advised if IgM is positive.