Toxocara Antibody

Visceral Larva Migrans Antibody, Larva Migrans Antibody, Toxocara Antibody, IgG

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB10176, Beaker: Toxocara, Quest: 34304

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One plain Red-top tube.
Also acceptable: One Gold-top SST tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and maintain at refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46) prior to transport.

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 month

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Sunday, Thursday
Results available within 3-6 days.

Reference Range

Negative.

Test Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Clinical Utility

The ELISA procedure utilizes the excretory-secretory(es) antigen of T. canis larvae to minimize cross-reactivity with antigens of Ascaris spp. and of other parasites. Results must be interpreted with caution as broad variations in antibody response occur and levels may remain elevated for years after infection. Generally, antibody levels are highest in visceral larva migrans (VLM). A negative result usually rules out infection with Toxocara spp.

CPT Codes

86682

Contacts

Last Updated

11/19/2025