Question 1

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii that can be serious for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. It is caused by exposure to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite through contaminated food, water, soil, or cat feces. The Toxoplasma Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects antibodies indicating past or current infection and immunity status.

Question 2

What causes toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the most common parasites worldwide. You can become infected by eating undercooked contaminated meat, accidentally ingesting the parasite from cat feces when cleaning a litter box or gardening, drinking contaminated water, or receiving an infected organ transplant or blood transfusion. Pregnant women can also transmit the infection to their unborn baby. While cats are the primary host for this parasite, the infection spreads through their feces contaminating soil, water, and food sources.

Question 3

What is the best test for toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

The Toxoplasma Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for toxoplasmosis because it detects IgG antibodies that your immune system produces in response to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. This test reveals whether you have been infected recently or in the past and indicates your current immunity status. For pregnant women, this test is essential to assess the risk of transmission to the developing baby, as a new infection during pregnancy can cause serious complications. For people with weakened immune systems, this test helps identify whether you have been exposed to the parasite and may be at risk for reactivation of a dormant infection.

Question 4

When should I get tested for toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as toxoplasmosis can cause serious birth defects and complications for your baby. Testing is also important if you have a weakened immune system from HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or immunosuppressive medications, since you are at higher risk for severe complications. You should consider testing if you experience flu-like symptoms along with swollen lymph nodes, especially if you have been exposed to cat feces, eaten undercooked meat, or have risk factors. Early detection allows for appropriate monitoring and treatment to prevent complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Most healthy people with toxoplasmosis experience no symptoms at all or only mild flu-like symptoms that resolve on their own. When symptoms do occur, you might notice swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, fatigue, fever, headache, and sore throat that can last for weeks or months. In people with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can cause severe symptoms including confusion, poor coordination, seizures, lung problems, and blurred vision from eye infection. Babies infected before birth may develop serious complications including eye damage, hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, and seizures, though some symptoms may not appear until later in life.

Question 6

Who is at risk for toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant women who have never been infected with Toxoplasma gondii are at highest risk because a new infection can be transmitted to the developing baby and cause severe birth defects. People with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs, face increased risk of severe complications from new or reactivated infections. You are also at higher risk if you own cats, garden frequently, eat undercooked or raw meat, drink untreated water, or work with meat products. Healthcare workers and laboratory personnel who handle blood or tissue samples may also have increased exposure risk.

Question 7

What happens if toxoplasmosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

In healthy individuals, untreated toxoplasmosis typically resolves on its own without causing long-term problems, though the parasite remains dormant in your body for life. For pregnant women, untreated infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe congenital disabilities in the baby including blindness, deafness, intellectual disabilities, and seizures. In people with weakened immune systems, untreated toxoplasmosis can cause life-threatening complications including encephalitis (brain inflammation), pneumonia, confusion, seizures, and vision loss from retinal damage. The dormant parasite can reactivate years later if your immune system becomes compromised, causing serious illness even if the original infection was mild.

Question 8

Can toxoplasmosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, toxoplasmosis is primarily diagnosed with a blood test that detects antibodies your immune system produces in response to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The Toxoplasma Antibody (IgG) test identifies IgG antibodies that indicate past or current infection and shows your immunity status. Sometimes additional testing for IgM antibodies may be performed to help determine if an infection is recent or occurred in the past, which is especially important for pregnant women. Blood tests are the most reliable and non-invasive way to diagnose toxoplasmosis and assess your risk level, making them essential for screening at-risk populations.

Question 9

How is toxoplasmosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Most healthy people with toxoplasmosis do not require treatment because their immune system controls the infection naturally and symptoms resolve on their own. Pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis are typically treated with antibiotics such as spiramycin or a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby. People with weakened immune systems receive treatment with pyrimethamine combined with sulfadiazine and leucovorin to prevent severe complications and may need to continue suppressive therapy long-term. Babies born with congenital toxoplasmosis usually receive treatment for the first year of life to prevent or reduce long-term complications like vision and hearing problems.

Question 10

How can I prevent toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent toxoplasmosis by cooking meat to safe internal temperatures (165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground meat, 145°F for whole cuts), washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products. If you have cats, have someone else change the litter box daily if possible, or wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward, as the parasite becomes infectious only after 1-5 days in feces. Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil, keep outdoor sandboxes covered, and avoid feeding cats raw or undercooked meat. Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should be especially vigilant about these preventive measures and may want to avoid handling cat litter entirely during high-risk periods.

Question 11

What can I do at home for toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

If you have mild toxoplasmosis symptoms, get plenty of rest and stay well-hydrated to help your body fight the infection naturally. Support your immune system by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and avoid stress which can weaken immune function. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage fever, headache, and muscle aches while your body recovers. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, especially before eating and after handling raw meat or soil, and thoroughly clean all surfaces and utensils that contact raw meat. However, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should always consult with a healthcare provider rather than relying on home care alone.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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!
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Toxoplasmosis Blood Test

What is Toxoplasmosis?

What causes toxoplasmosis?

What is the best test for toxoplasmosis?

When should I get tested for toxoplasmosis?

References

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