Toxoplasma antibody test
Quick answer: This test measures antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite spread by undercooked meat, soil and cat faeces. Doctors order it when toxoplasmosis is suspected, in pregnancy when infection is a concern, or in people with weak immunity. CSF testing is for suspected brain infection.
- SampleBlood or CSF (spinal fluid)
- TakesAbout 5 minutes for blood; 20 to 30 minutes if a lumbar puncture is done
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed for the blood test; a CSF sample is collected by a doctor through a lumbar puncture.
- In fertility careA new toxoplasma infection in pregnancy can affect the baby, so a positive IgM is followed up carefully, often with an avidity test.
How the test is done
- 1For blood, a nurse draws a tube from your arm
- 2If spinal fluid is needed, a doctor collects it by lumbar puncture
- 3The lab tests for toxoplasma IgG and IgM
- 4An avidity test may be added to help date an infection
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A positive IgM usually suggests a recent or current infection and a positive IgG a past infection or immunity, but your doctor will read the result alongside your symptoms.
If the result is outside the usual range
A positive IgG with negative IgM usually means a past infection. A positive IgM can suggest a recent infection or be a long-lasting or false positive, which matters most in pregnancy.
Who usually has this test
Pregnant women with possible exposure or a scan concern, some women before pregnancy, and people with weak immunity and brain symptoms.
Risks and aftercare
No special aftercare for blood; rest as advised after a lumbar puncture.
Names and options
Also called: toxoplasma IgG, toxoplasma IgM, toxoplasmosis test, toxo test
Options
- IgG, serum
- IgM, serum
- IgG, CSF
- IgM, CSF
Listed by the hospital as
- TOXOPLASMA IGG, CSF
- TOXOPLASMA IGG, SERUM
- TOXOPLASMA IGM, CSF
- TOXOPLASMA IGM, SERUM
Questions about this test
How can I avoid toxoplasma in pregnancy?
Eat well-cooked meat, wash fruit and vegetables, wear gloves when gardening and avoid cleaning cat litter. These steps lower the chance of infection.
What is a toxoplasma avidity test?
It measures how strongly IgG binds the parasite. High avidity suggests the infection happened months ago, which helps judge risk in early pregnancy.
Does a past toxoplasma infection protect my baby?
Usually yes. If you were infected well before pregnancy and have normal immunity, the chance of passing it to the baby is very low.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.