Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory
Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of specimen do you need for serological testing in peripheral blood?
• What kind of collection tube is required?
• How do I send the specimen?
• At what temperature should the specimens be sent?
• Do you receive packages over the weekend?
• Can serum and PCR specimens be mailed/sent in the same bag?
• Should a serum sample be sent if there is a request for PCR testing?
• Why should a serum sample be sent with a PCR test request?
• Can the patient or the insurance be billed for testing?
• Can you bill New York State physicians?
• Why must I send the mother’s serum along with the baby’s specimen?
• What are the methods of payment available at PAMF?
• What is the shipping address?

What kind of specimen do you need for serological testing in peripheral blood?

Serum is required. Our specimen requirement for serological testing is 2ml [minimum 0.5, but this amount may be insufficient for repeat testing of serum.
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What kind of collection tube is required?

Serum should be collected in a red-top tube, serum-separator tube (SST), or a tiger top tube. Please centrifuge the specimen, and if possible, send serum only. If using a plain red top, you must separate serum.
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How do I send the specimen?

Specimens should be sent using an overnight courier such as FedEx or UPS. Please note that we do not pay for shipping (unless previously agreed under special circumstances).
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At what temperature should the specimens be sent?

Serum specimens can be sent at ambient temperature as long as the sample is sent to us overnight. However, if shipping of the sample is delayed or the sample is going to be stored, serum should be sent on cold ice packs or stored frozen.
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Do you receive packages over the weekend?

The Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory is closed on weekends and holidays. It is recommended to not to ship on a Friday or the day before any holiday.
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Can serum and PCR specimens be mailed/sent in the same bag?

If you’re sending multiples samples, please be sure to place PCR specimens in separate biohazard bags to avoid contamination. All samples received for PCR testing will be prepared for testing, and will not be suitable for return. (Please see PCR Specimen requirements for shipping conditions)
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Should a serum sample be sent if there is a request for PCR testing?

Yes. A serum specimen should ideally accompany PCR test requests for any patient not recently tested in our laboratory.

The minimum requests for serologic testing should include IgG and IgM. There is an additional charge for testing this serum.

For charges, please see our current fee schedule.

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Why should a serum sample be sent with a PCR test request?

Interpretation of the clinical significance of PCR results will be enhanced if results of serologic testing of the patient’s serum in our laboratory is available to our medical consultant.
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Can the patient or the insurance be billed for testing?

We cannot bill insurance or the patient directly. We can only bill the hospital, doctor or laboratory where the specimen originated. Another option is for the patient to include a personal check or money order along with the specimen. These latter patients will receive a paid receipt after testing is completed. Please be aware, if your patient’s check does not clear, or if there is a remaining balance, the ordering physician is responsible for all charges.
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Can you bill New York State physicians?

New York State law prohibits us from billing New York State physicians directly. Therefore, all patients from New York whose specimens are sent to us by a private physician must include a check or money order.
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Why must I send the mother’s serum along with the baby’s specimen?

It is necessary to test the mother’s serum in parallel with the infant’s in order to compare antibody titers produced by each. Passive IgG antibodies (from the mother) will decrease by about 50% in the infants’ serum each month. Testing the serum of an infant who has IgG antibodies for T. gondii every 1 – 2 months will aid in determining if the baby is producing its own antibodies.
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What are the methods of payment available at PAMF?

We accept checks or money orders. We also accept credit cards (VISA and MASTERCARD only). Please be informed that if patient’s check does not clear or if credit card payment has been declined, the ordering physician/laboratory where specimens originated will be responsible for the charges. (Please see Billing Information)

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What is the shipping address?

Send all specimens to:

Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory
PAMF, Ames Building
795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

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