What is the TORCH test in pregnancy?

What is the TORCH test in pregnancy?

The TORCH screen is a group of blood tests. These tests check for several different infections in a newborn. The full form of TORCH is toxoplasmosis, rubella cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and HIV. However, it can also contain other newborn infections.

How are TORCH infections diagnosed?

Congenital CMV can be diagnosed prenatally by a viral culture, DNA detection on a PCR test, or by CMV-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody measurement. Similarly, prenatal diagnosis of rubella is usually based on positive rubella-specific IgM testing.

What is TORCH profile test?

The TORCH Profile Test refers to a group of tests performed on pregnant women to determine the presence of certain infections or to screen newborns for infections caused by Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex virus, and a group of other pathogens (TORCH) that may cause maternal illness or birth defects …

What is Torch panel test?

The following tests make up the TORCH panel: Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus.

Why is TORCH test done during pregnancy?

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: Toxoplasmosis. This infection is caused by a parasite commonly picked up from cat stools.

What is the most common TORCH infection?

TORCH, which includes Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes infections, are some of the most common infections associated with congenital anomalies.

Why is torch test done during pregnancy?

Is TORCH infection curable?

Also known as CMV, cytomegalovirus is an infection in the herpes virus group. And it’s estimated that 50% of adults have it by the time they’re 30. There is no cure for CMV, but it gets better on its own very quickly and doesn’t cause serious problems — unless you’re pregnant.

How common is TORCH infection in pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant, you can pass it to your unborn child. In fact, CMV is the most common viral infection passed on to babies in the U.S. — about 1 in 150 births.

How do I prevent TORCH infection during pregnancy?

Prevention: Some of the vertically transmitted infections, such as toxoplasmosis and syphilis, can be effectively treated with antibiotics if the mother is diagnosed early in her pregnancy. Rubella and varicella-zoster can be prevented by vaccinating the mother prior to pregnancy.

What happens if torch test is positive?

The results are termed either “positive” or “negative.” A positive test result means IgG or IgM antibodies were found for one or more of the infections covered in the screening. This can mean that you currently have, have had in the past, or have been previously vaccinated against the disease.

How to diagnose a torch infection in pregnancy?

1 Suspecting TORCH infection in pregnancy in the mother. 2 Diagnosing TORCH infection in the pregnant woman. 3 Timing the infection in relation to the gestational age. 4 Diagnosing TORCH infection in the fetus. 5 Offering a management plan. Routine universal screening.

When to use a torch test on a baby?

The baby is more sensitive to harm from infection during the first 3 to 4 months of the pregnancy. This test is used to screen infants for TORCH infections. These infections may lead to the following problems in the baby:

When is the best time to take a torch test?

If a woman becomes infected with certain germs during her pregnancy, the baby may also become infected while still in the womb. The baby is more sensitive to harm from infection during the first 3 to 4 months of the pregnancy. This test is used to screen infants for TORCH infections. These infections may lead to the following problems in the baby:

What kind of tests are needed for a torch infection?

To make the diagnosis of an active infection with one of the TORCH pathogens, more specific confirmatory tests may be required.