Torch IgG in Dehradun

What is a Torch IgG?

This panel measures IgG antibodies to the TORCH group of infections, toxoplasmosis, other agents, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex. IgG persists for life after an infection or vaccination, so this panel answers one specific question: what have you already met, and are you therefore protected. It does not detect a current infection, which is the job of IgM and which is what the fuller IgG plus IgM panel adds. Understanding that distinction prevents a common misreading, because on this panel a positive result is usually the reassuring one. A positive rubella IgG means you are immune and your future pregnancies are protected from congenital rubella, which is the single most useful piece of information the panel provides. A positive toxoplasma or cytomegalovirus IgG likewise indicates past exposure and substantially reduces the risk that a first infection will occur during a pregnancy, which is the scenario that endangers a baby. Conversely, a negative result identifies susceptibility, which is actionable: a rubella-negative woman can be vaccinated before conceiving, and a toxoplasma-negative woman can be counselled on food and cat-litter precautions.

Why take this test?

The IgG panel is advised chiefly before pregnancy rather than during it, as part of pre-conception planning, because that is when its findings can actually change something. Rubella IgG is the priority: a non-immune woman can be vaccinated, but not while pregnant and not within a month of conceiving, so the time to know is beforehand. It is also used to establish baseline immunity in women planning pregnancy who have a cat, who work with young children, or who have had recurrent pregnancy loss. During pregnancy it has a narrower role, mainly to interpret a positive IgM by establishing whether prior immunity existed. It is not the panel to order for a rash or fever in pregnancy, where the fuller IgG and IgM panel is needed. Discuss results with your obstetrician rather than reading them alone, since the pattern across several infections is what carries meaning.

• Pre-conception planning, especially to confirm rubella immunity
• Establishing baseline immunity before pregnancy
• Women with a cat or working with young children, before conceiving
• Interpreting a positive IgM by establishing prior immunity
• Recurrent pregnancy loss work-up
• Not the right panel for a rash or fever during pregnancy

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