What are TORCH titers?
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.
What does positive torch test mean?
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.
What does a torch panel test for?
The TORCH panel is a group of tests used to screen newborns and, sometimes, pregnant women for certain infections that can cause birth defects in a baby if the mother contracts them during the pregnancy. The tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system when exposed to the infectious diseases.
What is TORCH IgG test?
The TORCH test screening depicts if the patient is currently having an infection or has had one in the past. If IgG or IgM antibodies are found for an infection, it implies there is a current infection or has been there in the past, and the test result is termed as positive.
When should you use a TORCH screen?
TORCH screens may be performed in cases of intrauterine growth retardation, intrauterine death and suspected congenital infection. TORCH stands for toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV, herpes.
Why do you need a TORCH test after a miscarriage?
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.
Can torch infections be treated?
How is a TORCH infection treated? Treatment is highly dependent on the specific agent responsible for the infection. Infants with toxoplasmosis can be treated with pyrimethamine, an antiparasitic medication, and sulfadiazine, which is an antibiotic.
What do I do if my TORCH test is positive?
If you test positive, your doctor can treat it with antibiotics. Fifth disease. This disease is caused by parvovirus B19. It’s seldom a problem for pregnant women or their babies.
What does it mean when your IgG is high?
High levels of IgG may mean a long-term (chronic) infection, such as HIV, is present. Levels of IgG also get higher in IgG multiple myeloma, long-term hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Can TORCH infections be treated?
Is TORCH test curable?
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. 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.