Toxoplasma DNA detection by PCRUrine

DESCRIPTION – the presence of toxoplasma DNA in maternal blood probably indicates a recent infection or apparent parasitemia, which is likely to be clinically significant. PCR is the only method that can detect low levels of the T gondii organism and even destroyed parasites

METHODOLOGY – polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 8 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – lavender, pink or serum separator tube or amniotic fluid, CSF, ocular fluid or tissue

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – separate serum or plasma from cells and transport 1 ml serum, plasma, amniotic fluid, CSF or ocular fluid to a sterile container and transfer tissue to a sterile container and freeze immediately

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – frozen

STABILITY –

Tissue – frozen: 3 months

All other – ambient: 8 hours; refrigerated: 5 days; frozen: 3 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – heparinized specimens

MRP – 2500

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory