Torch Screen Blood Test

Toxoplasma IgG antibodies develop a few weeks after infection with Toxoplasma gondii and remain detectable for life, indicating past infection and immunity. Unlike IgM antibodies which signal recent infection, IgG antibodies show that your immune system has encountered the parasite before and has developed lasting protection against it. For women planning pregnancy or who are pregnant, the presence of Toxoplasma IgG without IgM is reassuring as it indicates you're already immune and the infection won't pose a risk to your baby. The presence of IgG alongside IgM, however, suggests a recent infection that requires further investigation and monitoring.

Rubella IgG antibodies develop following infection with rubella or after vaccination and remain detectable for life, indicating immunity to the virus. Unlike IgM antibodies which signal recent infection, IgG antibodies show you're protected against rubella. This is particularly important to confirm before or during pregnancy, as rubella infection in pregnant women can cause congenital rubella syndrome with severe birth defects. The presence of Rubella IgG without IgM is reassuring as it means you're immune - either from previous vaccination (such as the MMR vaccine) or past natural infection - and protected against future infection.

Rubella IgM antibodies are produced by your immune system during an active or recent rubella infection (German measles). These antibodies typically appear at the onset of symptoms and usually disappear within a few weeks to months after infection. The presence of Rubella IgM antibodies indicates you currently have or recently had rubella, which is crucial information during pregnancy as the virus can cause serious birth defects. This test is performed alongside Rubella IgG to distinguish between active infection and immunity from past infection or vaccination.

Toxoplasma IgM antibodies are produced by your immune system during an active or recent infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite commonly found in cat faeces, contaminated soil, and undercooked meat. These IgM antibodies typically appear within the first week or two of infection and usually decline over several months, though they can occasionally persist longer. The presence of Toxoplasma IgM antibodies indicates current or recent infection, which is particularly important to identify during pregnancy as toxoplasmosis can cause serious complications for the developing baby. This test is usually performed alongside Toxoplasma IgG to distinguish between recent infection and past immunity.