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Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies

TORCH · also called Toxo IgG/IgM

What it measures

Measures antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite acquired from cat faeces or undercooked meat. It is used mainly in pregnancy to detect recent infection that could affect the fetus.

Specimen and preparation

Specimen: Serum
Tube: Gold top

Reference range

Group	Range
IgG	Negative (non-immune)
IgM	Negative

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

IgG+ IgM−: past infection, immune
IgG+ IgM+: possible recent infection, check avidity
IgG− IgM+: very early infection or false-positive IgM

Method

CLIA/ELISA; IgG avidity for confirmation

Good to know

IgM can persist for a year or more, so avidity testing is needed before calling infection recent.

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