The toxoplasma test looks for antibodies in the blood to a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite causes an infection called toxoplasmosis, which can be dangerous to a developing fetus and persons with AIDs.

The test is done soon after pregnancy to detect toxoplasmosis infection in a newborn baby. It may also be used to screen pregnant women for the antibodies to the parasite.

The presence of antibodies before pregnancy probably protects a fetus against toxoplasmosis at birth. However, antibodies that develop during pregnancy may mean possible infection of the baby, with an increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects.

This test may also be done to evaluate patients who have:

• Prolonged sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Unexplained lymph node swelling
• An unexplained rise in the blood white cell (lymphocyte) count
• HIV and have symptoms of a brain infection (including headache, seizures, weakness, and speech or vision problems)
• Unexplained inflammation of the back part of the eye (chorioretinitis)

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

The sample is sent to a lab, where antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii are detected using several tests, including an indirect fluorescent antibody test, ELISA, and the Sabin-Feldman dye test.

There is no special preparation for the test.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.