Planning a pregnancy or concerned about infections that could affect a developing baby? This test screens for TORCH infections — a group of infections that can be harmful during pregnancy, including toxoplasmosis, rubella, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). It’s recommended for those trying to conceive, pregnant women, or individuals needing to check their immunity status.
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What's in the test?
Immunity
Cytomegalovirus IgM
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Immunoglobulins or antibodies, play an important role in the immune system and help fight against harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. IgM antibodies are involved in the very early stages of an immune response and first to be made by the body when fighting a new infection, providing short-term protection.
Cytomegalovirus IgG
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Cytomegalovirus, or CMV is a virus of the herpes family. It is thought that it is transmitted through bodily fluids, and the symptoms include fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. The virus can cause birth defects and pregnancy complications in pregnant women. The virus can also be very dangerous for immunocompromised individuals. Many organs can become inflamed and damaged, including the liver, the retina, and the colon (large intestine). A few weeks after being initially infected with CMV, the immune system produces an antibody called IgG.
Toxoplasma IgG
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Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the toxoplasma parasite. Infection usually occurs through eating undercooked, contaminated meat or cleaning a cats litter box when the cat has shed Toxoplasma in its faeces. Often those who are infected have very few symptoms because a healthy persons immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, those with compromised immune systems and pregnant women should be cautious as an infection can cause serious health problems and affect the unborn child. The body produces Toxoplasma IgG antibodies after being infected by this parasite.
Rubella IgG
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Rubella is a viral infection otherwise known as German Measles. The virus causes a red rash and flu-like symptoms and although the virus is usually harmless, if a woman gets rubella in the first three months of her pregnancy, serious birth defects or a miscarriage may occur.
Rubella IgM
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Rubella is a viral infection otherwise known as German Measles. The virus causes a red rash and flu-like symptoms and although the virus is usually harmless, if a woman gets rubella in the first three months of her pregnancy, serious birth defects or a miscarriage may occur.
Toxoplasma Igm
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Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the toxoplasma parasite. Infection usually occurs through eating undercooked, contaminated meat or cleaning a cats litter box when the cat has shed Toxoplasma in its faeces. Often those who are infected have very few symptoms because a healthy persons immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, those with compromised immune systems and pregnant women should be cautious as an infection can cause serious health problems and affect the unborn child. When the body is exposed to the toxoplasma parasite, the immune system responds by producing antibodies to the parasite. IgM antibodies are the first to be produced by the body in response to a Toxoplasma infection.
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Torch Screen Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.
Test limitations
This test can detect immunity and possible infections but does not confirm active infections on its own. Further diagnostic testing may be needed if IgM antibodies are detected. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, discuss results with a healthcare professional.