Toxoplasmosis Test for Fetus
Topic Overview
When a pregnant woman has toxoplasmosis, a PCR test on amniotic fluid is used to learn whether her fetus is also infected.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method of duplicating DNA strands from a tiny sample of blood, hair, or tissue. PCR is used to identify infectious diseases, genetic conditions, and genetic links between people.
PCR is preferred over a fetal blood test for antibodies because:footnote 1
- Collecting amniotic fluid through amniocentesis is considered safer than fetal blood sampling.
- PCR is better than antibody testing to detect toxoplasmosis.
- PCR can be done earlier in a pregnancy than a blood test for antibodies. Because first- and second-trimester fetal infection carry the highest risk of birth defects and intellectual disability, earlier test results are important to parents who are considering ending such a pregnancy.
In rare cases, PCR produces false-positive or false-negative test results. Follow-up testing and fetal ultrasound monitoring for hydrocephalus can help confirm PCR test results.
PCR is seldom used to diagnose toxoplasmosis in adults. Antibody testing of a blood sample is easier and more widely available.
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ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Current as ofNovember 21, 2017
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Current as of: November 21, 2017