Torch Panel
Torch Panel
- This test is meant to detect the presence of 4 infections in an unborn baby (fetus)
- No special preparation is required.
- This test would provide 8 values ( IgG and IgM for each of the 4 infections ) – Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus
What is TORCH Panel Test ?
The TORCH panel test is used to help diagnose infections that could harm the unborn baby during pregnancy. TORCH is an acronym of the 4 infections covered in the screening:
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TOxoplasmosis. This infection is caused by a parasite commonly picked up from cat stools. Babies can get congenital toxoplasmosis. Congenital means present at birth. If untreated, it can cause blindness, deafness, seizures, and intellectual disability.
- Rubella. Rubella, also called German measles, is a viral infection that can easily be passed from person to person through sneezing or coughing. Rubella is less common today because a vaccine protects against it. But pregnant people with rubella can pass the virus to their baby, which may be a serious condition. Rubella can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth. It can also cause problems with the baby’s heart, vision, hearing, and growth.
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is a type of herpes virus and is the most common congenital infection in babies. Mothers can get CMV by sexual contact or contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva from a person who has CMV. CMV can cause long-term problems in babies, including problems with vision, hearing, and mental development.
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Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Pregnant people can get the genital herpes simplex virus through sexual contact with an infected person. They can also pass the infection along to the developing baby during delivery. HSV in babies can cause low birth weight, miscarriage, and preterm birth. It can also cause sores that affect the skin, eyes, and mouth, as well as brain and organ damage.
Pregnant people often get the TORCH screening test at their first prenatal visit. Your gynecologist will tell you if TORCH screening is needed.
Reported Parameters
TORCH PANEL, IgG & IgM, SERUM
(CLIA)
Test Name Unit Reference Range
Toxoplasma IgG IU/mL <7.20
Toxoplasma IgM AU/mL <10.00
Rubella IgG IU/mL <10.00
Rubella IgM AU/mL <20.00
Cytomegalovirus, IgG IU/mL <12.00
Cytomegalovirus, IgM AU/mL <18.00
Herpes simplex virus 1+2, IgG Index <0.90
Herpes simplex virus 1+2, IgM Index <0.90
All The Questions that you might have
- Why is the TORCH Test Done ?
- What is TORCH Test used for ?
- Why is TORCH Test done after a miscarriage ?
TORCH Test is done on pregnant women during the first trimester to detect the presence of 4 infections. The body’s immune system produces IgG and IgM antibodies against diseases caused by TORCH infections. TORCH test detects the presence of these antibodies in the blood against Toxoplasma, Cytomegalovirus, Rubella and Herpes Simplex Virus. When a person gets exposed to the virus IgM is seen in the blood in the early stages and also can be detected in the blood sample.
IgG is seen in the blood after a few weeks and will remain in the body for a prolonged period. Thus, the body would have become immune to this virus and protects the body for a prolonged period from any further disease from the same virus.
TORCH is a diagnostic test done in pregnant women or women planning to conceive. It aids in screening infections caused by Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus microorganisms.
If pregnant women contract these infections, they may pass through the placenta to the foetus. It may then cause problems such as:
- Miscarriages
- Stillbirths
- Babies being born with severe congenital disabilities
Miscarriage may be due to several reasons.
One of the reasons might be infection by pathogenic microorganisms such as Toxoplasma or Rubella. Hence, it is important to undergo the TORCH Test to ascertain the miscarriage is not due to these organisms.
If the screening gives positive results, the doctors can prevent further miscarriages through treatment.
