Torch 10 Test

Torch 10 test is indicated for pregnancy where congenital foetal infection is suspected i.e., IUGR, foetal hydrops, USG changes. Patients with significant contact with patients suffering from rubella should also be investigated. If during pregnancy it is proven that there has been exposure of foetus to these infection that doctor will advise treatment and comment on health of foetus.
TORCH IgG is ideally indicated before pregnancy or during the first antenatal visit during the first trimester. If the test is positive in before pregnancy then chances of any serious infection to foetus are very remote. If this test is positive during pregnancy then an IgG avidity test or IgM test or PCR test would be required to confirm if infection is current or had happened in past

A TORCH-10 Test is done:

• To identify the presence of any infectious diseases that can be contracted by a pregnant mother and passed on to her foetus.
• To detect infectious agents, including toxoplasma, rubella, CMV, and HSV, which can all cause a variety of birth defects if the mother is infected at the time of pregnancy.
• To help determine the best course of treatment and management for the mother and her baby, if the mother is found to be infected with any of these pathogens.
• To diagnose infections in newborns, as well as to diagnose infections in people who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system.
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatments for infections.

The TORCH-10 Test is a screening test used to detect infections caused by the TORCH group of viruses. It is a combination of five blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies to the following infections: Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, CMV, HSV, and VZV. The test is typically used to detect congenital infections in newborns, but can also be used to diagnose and monitor infections in adults.

Torch 10 test measures IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma, CMV, Rubella, HSV 1 & 2.

During Torch 10 test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

During the TORCH-10 test, a tourniquet will be tightly fastened on your upper arm to fill your vein with blood. A needle will be inserted into your vein and a sample of your blood will be taken to fill a vacutainer, which will be sent for analysis. Results from the test are usually available within a few days, and your doctor will discuss the results with you and provide any necessary follow-up care

TORCH IgM positive - This may indicate a recent infection. However, IgM antibodies can be false positive and also they levels of the antibodies may remain elevated till 6 months.
It is important to time when the infection was acquired by the mother; this can be done through IgG avidity testing.
If it is suggested that infection occurred during the pregnancy then doctor may advise an invasive test like amniocentesis of chorionic villus sampling.
TORCH IgM negative - This means there is no evidence of exposure to the said viruses in near past or antibodies are yet to develop
TORCH IgG positive - If a person is IgG positive before pregnancy then she has antibodies against these agents and is unlikely to transmit these infections. 
It is important to time when the infection was acquired by the mother, this can be done through IgG avidity testing.
If it is suggested that infection occurred during the pregnancy then doctor may advise an invasive test like amniocentesis of chorionic villus sampling.
TORCH IgG negative - This means that patient is not immune to these infections and should consider Rubella immunization & seek medical advise in case symptoms related to above infections are experienced

• • Pregnant women should get a TORaqQACH-10 test done to detect any infections that could be transmitted to the fetus.
  • Infants showing symptoms of any of these infections, such as cataracts, enlarged liver or spleen, jaundice, low platelet count, deafness, seizures, mental retardation and heart defects.
  • Pregnant women who have been exposed to anyone suffering from Rubella.
  • Pregnant women who have had multiple miscarriages.
  • Pregnant women showing symptoms of any of these diseases.

The TORCH-10 test is a blood test that includes 10 tests. Out of these, 5 tests are IgG based, while the other 5 are IgM based. These tests include: 

• Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibody
• Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibody
• Rubella Virus – IgG
• Rubella Virus - IgM
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgM
• Toxoplasma gondii – IgG
• Toxoplasma gondii – IgM
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) Antibody Test – IgM

Patients should ensure they are well-rested and have had a light meal before the test. They should also wear comfortable clothing and bring a list of their current medications.

There is no normal range given for this test. The result will be termed either positive or negative. A positive result indicates the presence of one or more of the viruses. A negative result indicates the absence of infection.

• High-risk pregnancy
• Suspected infection of the mother with a group of viruses known as toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella (TORCH) during pregnancy
• Suspected congenital infection in newborn babies
• Premature or low-birth-weight babies 
• Developmental delay in babies 
• Abnormal physical findings in newborn babies 
• Abnormal neurological findings in babies 
• Hearing or vision problems in babies 
• Seizures in babies  

Jaundice in babies

TORCH Screen

TORCH Panel

IgG/ IgM Antibodies To Toxoplasma, CMV, Rubella, HSV-1 and HSV-2

Toxoplasma IgG

Toxoplasma IgM

Rubella IgG

Rubella IgM

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM

Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) IgM

Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) IgM

The Torch 10 test screens for infections that can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her fetus. It detects antibodies for Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus, and other infections. The test helps diagnose potential risks like congenital infections, pregnancy complications, or infections in newborns and immunocompromised individuals.

Yes, home sample collection is available for the Torch 10 test through several diagnostic laboratories in India, such as Metropolis Healthcare. This service offers a convenient way to get tested without visiting a clinic or hospital, as a trained phlebotomist will come to your doorstep to collect the blood sample.

The Torch 10 test is used to detect infectious agents that can cause serious health complications, particularly in pregnant women and newborns. It helps identify infections that might affect fetal development and allows for prompt management and treatment to prevent potential congenital malformations.

The normal range for the Torch 10 test is typically indicated by negative results for IgG and IgM antibodies. However, the specific reference ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to interpret the results accurately.

The Torch 10 test is recommended for pregnant women to detect any infections that could be transmitted to the foetus, infants showing symptoms of these infections, pregnant women who have been exposed to anyone suffering from Rubella or have had multiple miscarriages, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The benefits of the Torch 10 test include early detection of infections that can be transmitted from a mother to her foetus, allowing for timely management and treatment. This helps prevent serious health complications for both the mother and the baby, thereby improving overall health outcomes.

The frequency of testing for the Torch 10 test depends on individual health needs and medical advice.

The Torch 10 test can be performed at any time of the day, as antibody levels remain relatively stable throughout the day.

No, fasting is not required for the Torch 10 test.

It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as some drugs may interfere with the test results.

The Torch 10 test measures IgG and IgM antibodies against ten specific pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus 1 & 2 (HSV), and Varicella-zoster virus (VZV). These parameters help determine whether an infection is current or occurred in the past, which is crucial for managing the health of both the mother and the fetus.

The Torch 10 test is performed by collecting a blood sample from a vein in your arm.

The Torch 10 test is usually recommended during the first antenatal visit in pregnancy, typically between 8 to 12 weeks of gestation.

The Torch 10 test becomes positive when IgG or IgM antibodies against any of the ten pathogens are detected in the blood sample.

The blood sample collection for the Torch 10 test usually takes only a few minutes.

The turnaround time for Torch 10 test reports varies based on the lab and the testing method used. Most diagnostic centers provide results within 24 hours based on the day/time when the sample was collected and processed.