TORCH Test in Newborn

TORCH is a blood test that is used to check for several infectious diseases that can cause birth defects in babies. TORCH stands for the different infections the test screens for, which are:

• Toxoplasmosis.
• Other infections, such as hepatitis B, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), human parvovirus, enterovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, syphilis, parvovirus B19, or chicken pox (varicella-zoster virus).
• Rubella.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Your baby may have this test done if he or she has symptoms of a TORCH infection, such as:

• Low birth weight.
• Deafness.
• Mental disabilities.
• Seizures.
• Birth defects.
• Heart defects.
• Cataracts.
• Enlarged spleen or liver.
• Low platelets.
• Jaundice.

What is being tested?

The TORCH test checks for antibodies to these infections. Antibodies are a type of cell that is part of the body’s disease-fighting (immune) system. After getting an infection, the body makes antibodies that stay in the body after recovery and protect the body from getting the same infection again. The TORCH test checks for two types of antibodies:

• Immunoglobulin M (IgM).
• Immunoglobulin G (IgG).

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually taken from the baby’s heel (heel stick).

How are the results reported?

Results will be reported as either positive or negative for each type of antibody and will be specific to each infectious disease that your baby is being tested for.

What do the results mean?

Possible results include:

• Negative for IgM and IgG—Infection is unlikely. Your baby may have more testing to confirm the results.
• Positive for IgM—Your baby may have a current infection, or he or she may have had a recent infection with one or more of the TORCH infections. Your baby may need more tests to determine the exact type of infection.

Talk with your baby’s health care provider about what your baby’s results mean.

Questions to ask your baby’s health care provider

Ask your baby’s health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my baby’s results be ready?
• How will I get my baby’s results?
• What are my baby’s treatment options?
• What other tests does my baby need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• TORCH is a blood test used to check for several infectious diseases that can cause birth defects in babies.
• Your baby may have this test done if he or she has symptoms of a TORCH infection.
• A blood sample from your baby’s heel (heel stick) is required for this test.
• The results of the test will be reported as either positive or negative for each type of antibody and will be specific to each infectious disease that your baby is being tested for.