Toxocara IgG Antibodies

Detects IgG antibodies to Toxocara.

When toxocariasis is suspected, taking clinical and epidemiological information into account.

1. Tell your doctor when your symptoms started or when you may have been exposed to the infection.
2. Fasting is usually not required for blood antibody tests. Tell your doctor when the illness started and about your current treatment.
3. List the medications you take, any immunosuppressive treatment, and previous test results if you have them.
4. If the test is done very soon after a possible infection, discuss with your doctor whether a negative result should be repeated.

Fasting is generally not required. If another test has been ordered at the same time, the overall preparation plan may change.

A specific time is generally not required. If your doctor has set a different time, follow those instructions.

• Time since infection and the antibody development window
• Immune status and some treatments
• Cross-reactions and test specificity

Venous blood — serum or plasma

The blood sample is collected by a qualified staff member. The tube type, required volume, and processing and storage conditions are set by the laboratory's specific method. You do not need to store the sample yourself.

Finding antibodies does not always mean an active infection; the meaning depends on the antibody class, symptoms and when the test was done. A positive or negative result should be interpreted in light of the stage of illness and the accuracy of the test.

If the result is positive, reactive or equivocal, see your doctor to decide whether further testing and treatment are needed.

IgG antibodies to a parasite do not always mean an active infection. Clinical and epidemiological information must be taken into account.