Home
HelpTest ID PTOX Toxoplasma gondii, Molecular Detection, PCR
Useful For
Supporting the diagnosis of acute cerebral, ocular, disseminated, or congenital toxoplasmosis
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche
Molecular Systems, Inc.)
Reporting Name
Toxoplasma gondii PCRSpecimen Type
VariesForms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf)
Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)
Specimen source is required.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid
Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Type: Fresh tissue
Container/Tube: Sterile container with 1 to 2 mL of sterile saline or multi-microbe medium (M5) (T484)
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions: Submit only fresh tissue
Specimen Type: Ocular fluid
Container/Tube: Body fluid container
Specimen Volume: 0.3 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not centrifuge.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Amniotic Fluid, Ocular Fluid, Spinal Fluid: 0.3 mL/Tissue: NA
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Clinical Information
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that chronically infects 10% or more of the adult population in the United States. Transmission may occur by ingestion of undercooked meat containing cysts, by direct contact with the feces of an infected cat excreting infectious oocysts, and vertically through the placenta. Accurate diagnosis is crucial because of the different therapeutic options.
Serology is the traditional method for diagnosing toxoplasmosis and ascertaining the previous exposure history of the host. However, serology may be unreliable or challenging to interpret in immunocompromised patients and in suspected intrauterine infection. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA by PCR has proven to be a rapid and reliable alternative or supportive method for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
Reference Values
Negative
Cautions
This assay is designed for use in patients with a clinical history and symptoms consistent with toxoplasmosis. This test should not be used to screen healthy patients. Depending on the population, varying percentages of patients may be found to be positive.
Results should be interpreted with consideration of clinical and laboratory findings. A negative result does not indicate absence of disease. Reliable results depend on adequate specimen collection and the absence of inhibiting substances.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday; Varies
Report Available
1 day/same dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798