TORCH Panel
Does this test have other names?
TORCH screen
What is this 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 5 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.
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Other, including syphilis. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that a mother can pass on to an unborn
baby during pregnancy. Syphilis can cause a baby to be stillborn. It can also cause
premature labor, birth defects, low birth weight, and deafness.
-
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 women 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 infants, including
problems with vision, hearing, and mental development.
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Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Pregnant women 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.
These infections can cause serious problems during pregnancy, so it's important to
find them early in pregnancy so that they can be treated, if treatment is possible.
Women often get the TORCH screening test at their first prenatal visit. Your healthcare
provider will tell you if TORCH screening is needed.
Why do I need this test?
You may need this test if you are pregnant. This test may also be done on newborn
babies to diagnose any possible infections.
What other tests might I have along with this test?
You may have other prenatal screening tests done at the same time, including:
What do my test results mean?
A lab test result may be affected by many things, including the method the lab uses
to do the test. If your test results are different from the normal value, you may
not have a problem. To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your healthcare
provider.
The TORCH panel test results show if you have any of these infections. Normal test
results will show that you do not have any of the viruses, bacteria, or parasites
screened for in the test. Positive test results will show that you have 1 or more
of these viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
How is this test done?
The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in
your arm or hand.
Does this test pose any risks?
Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection,
bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may
feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.
What might affect my test results?
Nothing is likely to affect the results of this test. Your healthcare provider will
tell you if any of your medicines may affect the test and if you should not take them
before having the test.
How do I get ready for this test?
You likely don't need to do anything special to get ready for the test. Follow any
instructions your healthcare provider gives you about not eating or drinking or not
taking medicines before the test. Tell your provider about all medicines, herbs, vitamins,
or supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription
and any illegal drugs you may use.