What is TORCHS Test ? – Test for Infections

“A seasonal infection can cause a runny nose, while a silent infection in pregnancy can affect your newborn at worst”

What is TORCHS Test?

The TORCHS screening panel is an acronym that stands for a series of infections recommended for testing in a pregnant woman. These infections more than affecting the carrying woman, pose a serious risk for the unborn child. TORCH infections can cause birth defects in the child and this blood test involves detecting antibodies against active infection. TORCHS tests for;

T – Toxoplasmosis – A parasite – Risk for affecting the eyes, brain and spinal cord

O – Other infections – Hepatitis B, HIV, Syphilis, Parvovirus B19, etc.

R – Rubella – A viral infection – Popular as German measles

C – Cytomegalovirus – A viral infection – Risk for affecting vision, causing mental retardation, etc.

H – Herpes Simplex Virus – A viral infection – Risk of permanent damage to the brain and spinal cord

The “Screening and Management of TORCH in pregnancy” guidelines by FOGSI lists a 5-step management plan which includes;

1. Suspecting infection in a pregnant lady
2. Diagnosing the infection
3. Timing the infection with relevance to gestation age (pregnancy term)
4. Diagnosing TORCH in the unborn child
5. Recommending a management plan

When Doctors Ask you to Undergo TORCHS Test ?

1. Test is Recommended When the Risk of abnormalities like fetal hydrops, brain lesions, or USG markers of infection are noted.
2. Pregnant woman shows the development of non-vesicular rash.
3. When a pregnant woman has been known to be in contact with affected.

What can your TORCH report mean?

1. Negative for both IgM and IgG indicates not exposed to any infection tested.
2. IgM positive and IgG negative indicates primary or acute infection – Here there are chances of false positives due to cross-reactions and hence the history and repeat tests after 4 weeks is suggested to confirm a rise in IgG levels and fall in IgM, which is the ideal case scenario.
3. IgM negative and IgG positive indicates past infection.

The Avidity Test times your infection well and is crucial in pregnancy. A low avidity would mean infection within 3 months, while a high avidity indicates infection before 3 months.

Thus, TORCHS is a very crucial test in pregnancy and should be recommended in time. A positive result needs appropriate therapeutic management which can prevent transmission to newborn.

TORCHS is indeed a beacon of light to detect possible infectious risks in your pregnancy!

Time your TORCHS Test well!