TORCH Profile IgG & IgM 10 Parameters Test

Torch screen is a type of blood test prescribed for pregnant women to determine any infectious disease that can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy or post delivery. This helps in early detection and treatment to prevent any complications in the newborn. The diseases that can be detected via Torch test include Toxoplasma IgG, Toxoplasma IgM, Rubella IgG, Rubella IgM, CMV IgG, CMV IgM, Herpes simplex Virus 1 IgG, Herpes simplex Virus 1 IgM, Herpes simplex Virus 2 IgG and Herpes simplex Virus 2 IgM. These diseases can cross placenta and may cause birth defects in the newborn like chickenpox, cataracts, deafness, heart problems, intellectual disability and many as such.

The Torch test doesn’t need much preparation. It just involves a group of tests. However if you’re using any medication for any kind of viruses enclosed under Torch test inform your doctor about the same. The doctor may ask you to stop taking medicines or avoid eating and drinking before the test if at all needed. Make sure that your hands are clean for the test however the lab practitioner will clean prior taking the sample.

The results from the Torch test help in determining if you’ve any infectious disease or had one very recently. The test results are measured as “positive” or “negative”. A negative result means that the person tested is unlikely to have an infection. There are chances that other tests are suggested to be done in case if the healthcare practitioner strongly feels either the newborn or the women has one of the infections. A positive result means that the tested person has high probability of infection. However some other tests accompany a positive result to confirm the result before considering the diagnosis as valid.

This test involves blood sample collected from your finger usually. The finger is cleaned with a cleaning agent by the lab technician and then blood is collected with a needle or lancet onto a test strip or into a tube or onto a slide or into a small container with your name. A feeling of sharp pinch or stinging is noticed while taking blood. To stop further bleeding from the finger cotton or bandage is applied.