TORCH Infection Screening
TORCH refers to a group of infections that can be transmitted from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy. These infections may lead to congenital abnormalities such as developmental delays, cerebral palsy, or hearing loss. The group includes the following major pathogens:
Toxoplasma gondii
Other infections (e.g., syphilis, tuberculosis, HIV, etc.)
Rubella virus (German measles)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
How do TORCH infections occur?
- Contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, mucus, or blood
- Consuming undercooked or contaminated food (e.g., raw meat or eggs – especially for Toxoplasma)
- Sexual transmission (e.g., Herpes, CMV)
- Vertical transmission from mother to child via placenta, during delivery, or through breastfeeding
Why is TORCH testing important?
- TORCH infections can affect pregnancy and fetal development
- Early screening allows for timely medical intervention and prevention
- Recommended for pregnant women or those planning to conceive to assess potential risks
Our testing technology
- PCR Hybridization on DNA Microarray Chip
- More than 98% accuracy
- Uses probes to detect specific genetic sequences of pathogens directly
- Capable of detecting even small amounts of organisms in the sample
- Accepts samples from Urogenital Swab and Rectal swab
Pathogens Included in This Panel
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Toxoplasma gondii
- Rubella virus
- Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
- Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2)
Sample Collection Precautions
- Avoid washing the vaginal or rectal area before sample collection
- Avoid using suppositories or topical medications
- Samples must be submitted within the following timeframes:
- Urogenital swab: within 5 days; refrigerate at ≤ 8°C if not submitted immediately
- Rectal swab: Refrigerated at ≤ 8°C and submitted within 24 hours
What You Will Receive
- Official laboratory test report
- Document with QR code for result verification
- List of pathogens "Detected" or "Not Detected"
- Sample quality and DNA quality assessment
- Results can be used to support clinical diagnosis and treatment planning
Our laboratory is solely responsible for testing and reporting. We do not provide medical consultation or prescribe medications.