Test Directory

Aids in the diagnosis of Toxocara infection.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain

Desired Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

1. Collect a gold top, serum separator tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells.
2. Transfer 0.5 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).

Transport to the laboratory frozen. 

• Gross hemolysis
• Gross lipemia
• Heat-inactivated

See patient report.

A single negative result does not rule out infection. Assay sensitivity may be decreased depending on the site of infection, in cases of low parasitic burden, and timing of sample collection relative to exposure. In ocular toxocariasis, Toxocara antibody levels in serum can be low or absent despite clinical disease. Repeat testing should be considered in patients who are at high risk of exposure or infection.

False-negative results may occur in severely immunosuppressed patients.

Positive results should be interpreted with patient's clinical status and exposure history.

Positive results by this assay do not distinguish acute versus remote infection.

False-positive results may occur in patients with other helminth infections.

This assay uses synthetic antigens derived from Toxocara canis. Studies evaluating the sensitivity of this assay in patients infected with Toxocara cati have not been performed.

• Ocular toxocariasis
• TOXOC
• Toxocara canis
• Toxocariasis
• Visceral toxocariasis