What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms of infection while immunosuppressed, or if you're pregnant and were recently exposed to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite often linked to undercooked meat or cat feces. It's also useful if you have signs of a serious infection like encephalitis and need to know if this parasite is the cause. This test looks directly for the parasite's genetic material in your sample, giving a fast, precise answer.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account as either detected or not detected, with a clear explanation of what that means. If the result is positive, especially during pregnancy or with a weakened immune system, it's important to seek medical care right away since this infection can become serious quickly. A standard lab report is available to download anytime from your account, and if you're retested later, you can track results over time using the trends feature.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common reasons to consider this test include unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, confusion, or vision problems, especially if your immune system is weakened. Pregnant women who've had recent exposure to cat litter, raw or undercooked meat, or unwashed produce may also want testing even without symptoms, since the infection can be silent but still affect a developing baby. Severe symptoms like seizures or extreme confusion in someone immunosuppressed need urgent medical attention.

How can I naturally support my immune system against infections like this?

While there's no natural remedy that treats an active Toxoplasma infection, keeping your immune system strong can help your body respond better overall. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all support immune function. Avoiding raw or undercooked meat and practicing good hygiene around cat litter can help prevent exposure in the first place.

When will I get my results?

Results from this PCR test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. Because this test looks for genetic material from the parasite, it requires specialized processing, which is why it takes a bit longer than some basic blood tests. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, who are showing signs of infection. Pregnant women with suspected recent exposure to Toxoplasma should also consider testing, since early detection matters for protecting the pregnancy. It's typically used when there's a specific concern rather than as routine screening for the general population.

What is Toxoplasma gondii and why does it matter?

Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite that many people carry without ever knowing it, usually picked up from undercooked meat, contaminated water, or contact with cat feces. For most healthy people it causes no problems, but it matters a lot for people with weak immune systems or for babies exposed during pregnancy, where it can cause serious complications. Knowing whether you're actively infected helps guide timely care decisions.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the parasite's genetic material was found in your sample, indicating an active infection. For someone with a healthy immune system this might just need monitoring, but for immunosuppressed individuals or pregnant women, this finding is significant and usually requires prompt medical attention. The report will explain the result clearly so you know what the finding means for your situation.

What causes a Toxoplasma infection?

Toxoplasma infection usually comes from eating undercooked or raw meat, drinking contaminated water, handling cat litter without washing your hands, or eating unwashed fruits and vegetables. It can also pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy if she's newly infected. Taking simple food safety and hygiene precautions greatly lowers your risk of exposure.

How often should I retest?

Retesting isn't usually needed unless you have new symptoms, a new exposure risk, or your immune status changes, such as starting immunosuppressive treatment. If you're pregnant and were exposed during your pregnancy, your testing schedule will depend on the timing of exposure and any earlier results. Otherwise, this is typically a one-time test done to answer a specific health concern.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Toxoplasma DNA PCR Test - Infection Detection

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]