2 - 5 days
Test Updated:
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Test Overview
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Toxoplasma gondii is highly problematic when primary infection occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, often leading to fetal death or when reactivation occurs in immunocompromised patients, leading to life-threatening disease including encephalitis and extracerebral toxoplasmosis. Onset of disease in most patients is preceded by an increase in parasite load measured in peripheral blood specimens using quantitative PCR. Monitoring blood levels of Toxoplasma gondii DNA correlates well with treatment.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Specimen Requirements
Blood: Collect specimen in a lavender top (EDTA) tube. Send intact specimen at room temperature (4 - 5 mL). CSF: Send specimen frozen in a sterile tube (2 mL). The following specimen types are also acceptable: Bronchial Lavage (BAL) (2 mL in sterile tube, room temperature) and Aminotic Fluid (2 mL in sterile tube, room temperature).