TORCH test

Definition

The TORCH test is a blood test used to screen for infections that can cause birth defects in a fetus. It includes tests for Toxoplasma, Other agents, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. TORCH is an acronym for Toxoplasma, Other agents, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
2. The TORCH test is crucial in prenatal care to prevent congenital infections.
3. Enzyme Immunoassays (EIAs) or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) are commonly used techniques in the TORCH test.
4. Positive results in a TORCH test indicate possible infection and may require further testing or intervention.
5. The 'Other agents' category can include syphilis, varicella-zoster virus, parvovirus B19, and HIV.

Review Questions

• What does each letter in the acronym TORCH stand for?
• Why are EIAs and ELISAs important techniques used in the TORCH test?
• What might be the next steps if a positive result is found in a TORCH test?

Related terms

Toxoplasmosis: An infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Rubella: A contagious viral infection preventable by vaccine also known as German measles.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A common virus that can infect people of all ages but is particularly concerning for pregnant women.