Torch IgM Antibodies - Test, Procedure & Cost

Introduction

The TORCH IgM Antibodies test is a panel of tests to detect infections in pregnant women. The infection can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy. Early detection and treatment of infections can prevent complications in newborns. A doctor routinely performs some of the components of a TORCH test, usually when a woman visits for her first prenatal visit. Additionally, other components may be performed if a woman exhibits symptoms of a particular disease during pregnancy. These diseases can cross the placenta and cause birth defects in newborns. 

What type of infections can this test detect?

Toxoplasmosis: This is an infection caused by the parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii and is transmitted from pregnant women to the fetus through the placenta. It often occurs early in pregnancy. The main causes of toxoplasmosis are eating raw eggs, raw meat, and handling cat feces. This infection can cause spontaneous abortions, blindness, convulsions, deafness, or other birth defects. 

Rubella: The rubella virus causes rubella. If the virus infects the fetus in the womb, it can cause problems during childbirth. These include heart abnormalities, brain damage, visual and hearing impairments, and more. 

Cytomegalovirus: also known as CMV, can be transmitted to children through the placenta during prenatal or postnatal breastfeeding. May cause deafness, slowed mental growth, and convulsions seen in young children.

Herpes simplex virus, both herpes simplex I and herpes simplex 2, are caused by the herpes virus. The virus can be transmitted to newborns through the vaginal tract in utero or at birth if there are lesions in the vagina. Both herpes infections in infants are serious, affecting major organs of the body, causing lung disease, convulsions, and damage to the brain and spinal cord.

How is the TORCH test performed?

A small blood sample is taken on the TORCH screen. Blood is usually taken from a vein in the arm. You go to the lab and a phlebotomist takes your blood. They clean the area and use a needle to draw blood. They collect blood in tubes or small containers.

Why is TORCH screening important?

If the mother catches the infection and passes it through the bloodstream to the baby, the baby will get the TORCH infection in the womb. A developing fetus is particularly more susceptible to disease because its immune system is not yet strong enough to fight off infections in the long term.