Torch Test in Pune

Overview

During pregnancy a mother can pass on infections from her body to the developing child.

Commonly transmitted infections include parasites, bacteria and viral infections. This blood test screens pregnant mothers for 4 such common infectoins, so that treatment can be started and the child can be protected.

When is this test to be done?

The TORCH Test is commonly advised in pregnant mothers and also in some people who are suspected of having the TORCH group of infections in the eyes, brain or other body parts

In pregnant mothers the test should be done once every 3 months (during every antenatal checkup)

Why is TORCH test important?

Safety of Child in Pregnancy : If a pregnant mother is found to be infected with any of the TORCH group of infections, it can cause abnormalities in the child, as the child also gets infected. This is called vertical transmission, In some serious cases, the pregnancy may have to be terminated if the infection is not detected on time. For these reasons this test is essential during pregnancy for safety of the baby.

Other Infections: The test is also used to diagnose these infections in patients with retinal (eye) diseases, brain diseases and more.

What does TORCH test tell us?

The test tells if :

• Is Mother currently infected: If the mother is infected with Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus or Herpes, this test will detect it.
• Vaccination Status of Mother: If the mother has been vaccinated, the test can be used to check if she is still protectec
• Risk to Baby: If the mother is positive for these infections, it means that the child is at risk and it must be treated immediately

How is the TORCH test done?

This is a simple blood test and requires no special preparation. You do not need to be fasting for this test.

To perform this test, a sample of blood will be drawn from your vein, by inserting a sterile needle. The blood sample will then be analyzed in the lab.

What will be included in the TORCH Test report?

This report includes 8 parameters, listed below:

• Toxoplasma IgM Antibody Titre : Shows recent infection by Toxoplasma
• Toxoplasma IgG Antibody Titre : Shows vaccination status against toxoplasma or past infection
• Rubella IgM Antibody Titre : Shows recent infection by Rubella (German Measles)
• Rubella IgG Antibody Titre : Shows past infection by Rubella or status of vaccination
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM Antibody Titre : Shows recent infection by CMV
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG Antibody Titre : Shows past infection by CMV
• Herpes Simplex 2 IgM Antibody Titre : Shows recent infection by Herpes
• Herpes Simplex 2 IgG Antibody Titre : Shows past infection by Herpes

What can happen to the baby if the TORCH Test is positive in the mother?

TORCH infections are called congenital infections as they pass from mother to baby while it is still in the womb. The following are effects of TORCH infection on newborns:

• Toxoplasma Infection : Child may be born with low weight, eye infections, liver swelling
• Rubella Infection : Child may be born with low weight, heart diseases, liver swelling, rashes and deafness
• Cytomegalovirus Infection : Child may have deafness, blindness, liver swelling
• Herpes Simplex Infection : Child may have infection of blood, liver or brain and rashes

Who should do this test?

The test is recommended for pregnant mothers, people with eye diseases and patients with weak immunity like HIV patients .

Summary of TORCH Test

Sample Type	Blood
Time to Get Report	3-5 days
Test Method	CMIA
Normal Range	Toxoplasma IgM Antibodies - 0 to 0.5, Toxoplasma IgG Antibodies - 0 to 1.6, Rubella IgM Antibodies - 0 to 1.2, Rubella IgG Antibodies - 0 to 5, CMV IgM Antibodies - 0 to 0.85, CMV IgG Antibodies - 0 to 6, HSV2 IgM Antibodies - 0 to 0.8, HSV2 IgG Antibodies - 0 to 0.8.
Purpose of test	Screens blood Toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV and Herpes Simplex 2
Intended for	Pregnant women, adults, newborns
Fasting Required	No
Total Tests	22
Doctor's Prescription Required	No
Reports Available By	PDF available through Watsapp,Email and Hardcopy(on request)
Other Names	TORCH 8 Parameter, TORCH 8 IgG IgM