Toxoplasma antibody blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. People usually catch it from undercooked meat, unwashed fruit and vegetables, soil, or contact with cat faeces, for example when emptying a litter tray. Most healthy people have no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness and never know they have had it.

The infection matters most in pregnancy, because a first infection during pregnancy can be passed to the baby, and in people with weakened immune systems, in whom a past infection can reactivate. This test looks for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, which show that you have been infected at some point. IgG alone cannot show when infection happened.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You are planning a pregnancy and want to know whether you have had toxoplasmosis before.
• You have cats or work with soil, animals or raw meat and want to check your status.
• You are about to start treatment that suppresses the immune system and your doctor has asked for a baseline.
• You have had swollen glands or flu-like symptoms and your practitioner has suggested this test.

Understanding your result

A negative IgG result suggests you have not been infected and are not protected, so the usual hygiene and food precautions are especially important in pregnancy. A positive IgG result suggests past infection. In most adults this is reassuring, as it usually indicates immunity to a new infection, but it does not show whether the infection was recent.

If timing matters, for example in pregnancy, further tests such as IgM and IgG avidity are needed, and these are best arranged through your GP, midwife or specialist. A result is a starting point for discussion, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Food and drink beforehand are fine. Please tell us if you are pregnant or might be, and about any medicines that affect the immune system. If you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed, or have new symptoms, speak to your midwife or GP, as they can arrange the specific tests needed.

Toxoplasma antibodies are often considered with other immunity tests before pregnancy, such as rubella immunity, and our fertility tests may also be relevant. Browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a toxoplasma antibody test in Chiswick?

The Toxoplasma Antibodies test costs £139. It includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Can I keep my cat if I am pregnant?

Yes. The NHS advises avoiding emptying cat litter trays during pregnancy where possible, or wearing gloves and washing your hands thoroughly if you must.

Does a positive IgG result mean I have an active infection?

Not usually. It shows you have had toxoplasmosis at some point. Further tests are needed to tell whether it was recent.

How can I lower my risk of toxoplasmosis?

Cook meat thoroughly, wash fruit and vegetables, wear gloves for gardening and wash your hands after handling soil or raw meat.