Torch Screen Antibodies

Torch Screen Antibodies ELISA Blood Test is used to detect the presence of antibodies IgM and IgG in the blood. This test helps to detect infections in pregnant women (perinatal infections).

What is TORCH?

TORCH is an acronym for a group of infections that can occur in pregnant women. These perinatal infections may cause birth defects in their newborns. TORCH, sometimes also called as TORCHS, which stands for toxoplasmosis, other (HIV, viral hepatitis, varicella, parvovirus), rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and syphilis.

Toxoplasmosis:

• It is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii that can be passed from mother to baby through the placenta during pregnancy.
• It may result in a miscarriage or cause birth defects.
• Symptoms that may occur in infected infants are vision loss, mental retardation, deafness, and/or seizures etc.

Rubella:

• It is the virus that causes German measles.
• The infected Infants may show birth defects such as heart defects, vision problems, or delayed development, etc.

Cytomegalovirus:

• It can cause a viral infection that may pass to a baby during the birth process and can also infect newborns through breast milk.
• May show birth defects such as hearing loss, epilepsy, and/or intellectual disability.

Herpes simplex:

• It is a common viral infection
• May show birth defects such as brain damage, breathing problems, and/or seizures.

Other diseases:

• Other perinatal infections are HIV, Chickenpox, Viral hepatitis, Measles, Mumps, Epstein-Barr virus, or Syphilis (a sexually transmitted disease).
• These infections can spread from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy or at the time of delivery.

Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. Detection of antibodies in the body may indicate the presence of infections. This test screen for the IgM and IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies are detected when there is an acute infection. IgG antibodies are detected when someone has had an infection in the past.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to detect the presence of infections in pregnant women. Early identification and treatment of such perinatal infections may prevent birth defects in newborns. This test is performed as part of a routine test in women during her first prenatal visit. In pregnant women, your doctor may ask to perform this test if he suspects any infections or if you exhibit suggestive symptoms of infections included in the panel.

This test is also recommended to screen newborns for infections or infants who show any signs or suggestive symptoms of the infections included in the panel. However, in case of a positive result, your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests to confirm the type of infection.

If the test results are positive for pregnant women or detect the presence of antibodies in the blood, it may indicate that you are likely to have a current or recent infection covered in the screening. In newborns or infants, the positive result may indicate a current infection. In case of a positive result, your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests to confirm the type of infection.

If the test results are negative in pregnant women, newborns, or infants; it may indicate that it is unlikely to have an infection. If your doctor strongly suspects any infections, even after negative results, other tests for the suspected infection will be performed.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests.