The TORCH test is a group of blood tests that helps to check for infections that could potentially harm an unborn baby during pregnancy. These infections in a pregnant woman can cause serious complications in the newborn child, so it's important to detect and treat them as soon as possible.

What is a TORCH test?

A TORCH test is a screening test used to detect infections in pregnant women. It is typically performed as a group of blood tests to identify infections that can potentially be passed on to a newborn baby or may have already been transmitted. Early detection and treatment of any infection can help prevent complications in newborns.

TORCH is an acronym for five different infections that are assessed in the screening test:

• Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that spreads through handling cat faeces. Unborn babies can contract congenital toxoplasmosis, which, if left untreated, can result in blindness, deafness, intellectual disability, and even seizures.
• Others, including Syphilis: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be passed on to an unborn baby from the mother during pregnancy. Syphilis can lead to stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and deafness.
• Rubella: Rubella is a viral infection that is easily transmitted from person to person through sneezing or coughing. However, rubella is not very common today due to the availability of vaccines. Nonetheless, pregnant women can transmit the virus to their unborn child, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. Additionally, it can cause vision and hearing changes in the newborn baby
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Cytomegalovirus is another type of herpes virus, most commonly spread congenitally to babies. Women can contract CMV through sexual contact or contact with bodily fluids. Cytomegalovirus can cause long-term problems in babies, such as issues with eyesight, hearing, and mental development.
• Herpes Simplex: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a type of virus that can spread through sexual contact with an infected person. This virus can be transmitted to the baby during vaginal delivery if the mother is infected. This can result in low birth weight, preterm birth, miscarriage, as well as sores in the eyes and mouth, and damage to the baby's brain and organs.

There are other infections that may be screened along with these infections.

• Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C
• Chickenpox
• Epstein Barr virus 
• Human parvovirus
• Measles
• Mumps

When should I get this TORCH test?

Pregnant women often undergo this test during their initial visit to an Obstetrician. An Obstetrician or healthcare provider may recommend a TORCH test if they suspect an infection.

Procedure for TORCH test

The TORCH test requires a blood sample from the pregnant woman. Typically, the blood is drawn from a vein in the arm using a sterile needle. A phlebotomist usually performs this procedure, extracting the blood and placing it in a vial. The entire process typically takes about five minutes, and the sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing, utilising special tests and markers.

How to prepare for the TORCH test?

Before the TORCH test is performed, no special preparations need to be taken as such. However, it is important to let the doctor know if any medications have been recommended for the treatment of any disease. If any specific diet requirements need to be fulfilled, the doctor may let the patient know.

Results

The TORCH test results may vary depending on the age, medical history, and other factors. The TORCH test may be positive or negative, depending on the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies upon testing the blood sample of the pregnant mother. If the TORCH test is performed for a newborn and these antibodies are found, it may mean that there is a current or recent case of infection in the baby.

Positive Result

If the TORCH test shows positive results, it may indicate that the blood sample of the pregnant woman contains IgM and IgG antibodies during the screening test. This could suggest that the patient has previously been vaccinated against these infections or currently has an active infection, necessitating further testing for confirmation.

Negative Result

Obtaining a negative result in the TORCH test indicates the absence of antibodies during the screening for the presence of pathogens in the blood sample. This may suggest that there has been no prior infection or that there is currently no infection.

TORCH Test Normal Result

TORCH test normal report ranges for each infection-causing microorganism screened in the TORCH test are provided below for reference

Conclusion    

A TORCH test may help identify the presence of infection-causing pathogens that lead to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted complications in the unborn baby or even in the newborn. Early screening and detection help begin TORCH test positive treatment early on to prevent any pregnancy-related complications.

FAQs 

1. What if the TORCH test is positive?    

Ans. Having a positive TORCH profile test means that the person currently has or has had an infection in the past or has been vaccinated against these infections. This is indicated by the presence of antibodies after the blood sample is tested using specific markers. It is important to follow up with your doctor for further evaluation, guidance, TORCH test price, etc.

2. Is a TORCH test necessary before pregnancy?    

Ans. TORCH test in pregnancy is important to detect any infections that a pregnant woman may have, which can potentially lead to complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage and premature or stillbirth, or in the baby, such as low birth weight, changes in vision and hearing, intellectual problems, etc. Therefore, it is important to screen for infections and treat them to avoid complications.

3. What if the TORCH test is negative?    

Ans. If a TORCH test report is negative, it would indicate that there has been no case of infection in the pregnant woman in the past or in the present.

4. Is the TORCH test necessary after miscarriage?

Ans. The TORCH test may help to identify any harmful microorganisms present in a woman, which may give doctors insight into what may have caused a miscarriage. If the test comes back positive, appropriate treatment may be beneficial before conceiving again.