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TORCH Panel
Comprehensive panel for screening infections that can affect pregnancy and newborns.
Sample Type
blood
Fasting Required
No
Description
A TORCH screen is a panel of tests for detecting infections in pregnant women. Infections may be passed on to a fetus during pregnancy. Early detection and treatment of an infection can prevent complications in newborns. TORCH, sometimes referred to as TORCHS, is an acronym of the infections covered in the screening:
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Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii)
- Overview: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It can cause birth defects or developmental delays in a fetus if the mother contracts it during pregnancy.
Other (Syphilis, Varicella, Parvovirus)
- Syphilis (Treponema pallidum): A sexually transmitted infection that can cause congenital syphilis in newborns.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): A viral infection that can cause complications for the fetus if contracted during pregnancy.
- Parvovirus B19: Known for causing fifth disease, parvovirus can lead to complications during pregnancy, including fetal anemia.
Rubella (German Measles)
- Overview: Rubella infection during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can cause birth defects like heart defects, blindness, and hearing loss.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Overview: CMV is a common virus that may cause complications for pregnant women, especially if they contract it for the first time during pregnancy. It can cause developmental delays or hearing problems in the fetus.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- Overview: HSV can cause genital herpes, which can lead to serious complications if transmitted to a newborn during delivery.
Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii)
- Risk Assessment: High risk in pregnant women who may have been exposed to infected cat feces or undercooked meat.
Other (Syphilis, Varicella, Parvovirus)
- Risk Assessment: These infections can lead to serious complications if contracted during pregnancy.
Rubella (German Measles)
- Risk Assessment: Especially risky for pregnant women who are not immune or have not been vaccinated.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Risk Assessment: Higher risk for primary infections in non-immune individuals during pregnancy.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- Risk Assessment: Increased risk during an active outbreak or if the woman has no immunity to HSV during pregnancy.
Normal Range for TORCH Panel (General)
- Toxoplasmosis: Negative for IgM and IgG.
- Syphilis: Negative for VDRL or RPR.
- Varicella: Positive IgG (immunity) and negative IgM.
- Parvovirus: Negative for IgM and IgG.
- Rubella: Positive IgG (immunity) and negative IgM.
- CMV: Negative for IgM and IgG.
- Herpes Simplex Virus: Negative for both IgM and IgG.
Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii)
- Interpretation: A positive result usually indicates an active or recent infection, especially if IgM antibodies are detected.
Other (Syphilis, Varicella, Parvovirus)
- Interpretation: A positive result for these infections usually indicates an active infection.
Rubella (German Measles)
- Interpretation: A positive IgG indicates immunity. A positive IgM indicates an active infection.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Interpretation: A positive result for IgM indicates a recent or active infection, while IgG can indicate past exposure and immunity.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- Interpretation: A positive result indicates past exposure or an active infection.
Sample Type for the Entire Panel
- Blood sample (serum) is typically used for testing the TORCH panel.
Frequently Asked Question
The TORCH panel can provide information about maternal infections that may pose risks to the fetus, but it cannot predict specific outcomes. Further evaluation, including ultrasound examinations and additional diagnostic tests, may be needed to assess fetal health and potential complications.
The coverage of the TORCH panel by insurance may vary depending on factors such as medical necessity, insurance provider policies, and regional regulations. It's advisable to check with the healthcare provider and insurance company regarding coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.
While the TORCH panel is primarily used in pregnancy to screen for congenital infections, it may also be performed in other clinical scenarios, such as evaluating individuals with symptoms suggestive of TORCH infections or assessing immune status in certain populations.
The TORCH panel is performed using a blood sample collected from the pregnant woman. The blood sample is analyzed in a laboratory using various techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or immunofluorescence assays to detect antibodies or genetic material specific to each infection.
A TORCH panel is recommended for pregnant women, especially those with risk factors for congenital infections or with symptoms suggestive of TORCH infections. It may also be performed as part of routine prenatal care or when indicated based on clinical history or exposure to infectious agents.
Positive results for the TORCH panel indicate the presence of antibodies or genetic material specific to one or more infections included in the panel. Further evaluation and management are usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the risk to the fetus.
The TORCH panel tests for the following infections:
Toxoplasmosis
Other infections including syphilis, varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles), parvovirus B19
Rubella
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
A TORCH panel is performed to screen pregnant women for infections that can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, leading to congenital disabilities, stillbirth, or neonatal complications. It helps in identifying maternal infections that may pose risks to the fetus.
While the TORCH panel is useful for screening pregnant women for congenital infections, it has limitations. False-positive results can occur, and additional confirmatory testing may be needed to establish a diagnosis. Additionally, the TORCH panel may not detect all possible infectious agents that can affect the fetus.
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TORCH Panel
Comprehensive panel for screening infections that can affect pregnancy and newborns.
Offered by other labs
Sample Type
blood
Fasting Required
No
Description
A TORCH screen is a panel of tests for detecting infections in pregnant women. Infections may be passed on to a fetus during pregnancy. Early detection and treatment of an infection can prevent complications in newborns. TORCH, sometimes referred to as TORCHS, is an acronym of the infections covered in the screening:
Covid Safety
Assured
Free Report
Counselling