Recovery of anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin M in stored guthrie card blood spots

J Clin Microbiol. 2009 Aug;47(8):2626-8. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00893-09. Epub 2009 Jun 3.

Abstract

Retrospective testing of neonatal Guthrie card blood spots for specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) can distinguish congenital toxoplasmosis from acquired toxoplasmosis. We determined whether storage temperature reduced IgM detection, using filter paper blood samples "spiked" with anti-Toxoplasma IgM. After 300 days, IgM detection deteriorated with storage at room temperature but not at temperatures of 4 degrees C or lower.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Blood / immunology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Desiccation
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Refrigeration
  • Specimen Handling / methods*
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin M