TORCH Profile
The TORCH profile is a laboratory panel used to detect infections that may pose a risk during pregnancy and fetal development, as well as to assess the body’s immune status.
TORCH is an acronym in which each letter represents a group of infections:
T - Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis)
O - Other (additional infections)
R - Rubella virus
C - Cytomegalovirus
H - Herpes simplex virus
These infections are grouped together because they may have similar effects on pregnancy and fetal development. The test helps determine current infection or immunity to major TORCH pathogens.
Indications
- pregnancy planning
- pregnancy monitoring
- recurrent miscarriage
- suspected intrauterine infections
- preparation for IVF
- history of congenital infections in a child
- frequent viral infections or weakened immunity
Composition
- Antibodies to Cytomegalovirus (CMV), IgG, IgM
- Antibodies to Herpes simplex virus (HSV 1,2), IgG, IgM
- Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, IgG, IgM
- Antibodies to Rubella virus, IgG, IgM
Contraindications
There are no absolute contraindications. The test may be temporarily postponed in case of:
- acute infectious diseases
- severe acute medical conditions (as determined by a physician)
Procedure
The test is performed on an outpatient basis and involves venous blood sampling. After testing, results are provided with medical interpretation.
Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003350.htm
https://www.carehospitals.com/diagnostics/torch-test
https://www.healthline.com/health/torch-screen
IMPORTANT!
It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any discomfort or exacerbation of a medical condition, it is necessary to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Only a qualified specialist can accurately diagnose and determine the appropriate course of treatment. To obtain the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is advisable to conduct them at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may employ varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.
Preparation:
- blood sampling in the morning on an empty stomach (8–12 hours fasting)
- avoid alcohol and intense physical activity for 24 hours before testing
- do not smoke 1–2 hours before the procedure
- a small amount of still water is allowed
- avoid stress when possible before testing