TORCH-8 IgG, IgM in Dehradun

What is a TORCH-8 IgG, IgM?

TORCH is an acronym for a group of infections that can cross the placenta and affect a developing baby: toxoplasmosis, other agents, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex. The panel measures two antibody classes for each. IgG generally indicates past exposure and, for several of these, lasting immunity, which is reassuring rather than alarming. IgM suggests a recent or current infection, and it is the class that matters during pregnancy because a first infection acquired while pregnant carries the risk to the baby, whereas immunity established beforehand is protective. The panel needs interpreting carefully rather than read as a row of positives and negatives, for two reasons. IgM can persist for many months after an infection and can also be falsely positive, so an isolated IgM result frequently needs confirmation with repeat testing or an avidity test that estimates how long ago the infection occurred. And a positive IgG for rubella is a good result, meaning protection. Routine TORCH screening of every pregnancy is not recommended in many guidelines precisely because misinterpretation causes considerable and often needless anxiety.

Why take this test?

The panel is advised where there is a specific reason rather than as a blanket screen. Those reasons include a rash or fever with lymph node swelling during pregnancy, an ultrasound finding suggesting the baby may be affected, recurrent pregnancy loss, a previous baby affected by congenital infection, or documented contact with someone who has rubella or chickenpox. Rubella IgG alone is also commonly checked before pregnancy or at the first antenatal visit to confirm immunity, so that a non-immune woman can be vaccinated before conceiving, since the vaccine is not given during pregnancy. Toxoplasma testing is more relevant where there has been exposure to cat litter or undercooked meat. Discuss the panel with your obstetrician before ordering it, and take any positive IgM result to them rather than acting on it, because confirmation and timing are what determine whether it means anything at all for your pregnancy.

• Rash, fever or swollen lymph nodes during pregnancy
• An ultrasound finding suggesting possible congenital infection
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• A previous baby affected by congenital infection
• Documented contact with rubella or chickenpox
• Confirming rubella immunity before pregnancy

FAQs: TORCH-8 IgG, IgM in Dehradun