TORCH Test: A Complete Guide Regarding Test Procedure, Uses & Price

TORCH test is also known as TORCH screen or TORCH panel. It is a group of tests that are used for screening and identification of TORCH syndrome or TORCH infections in a pregnant woman.

What is TORCH test?

TORCH test is also known as TORCH screen or TORCH panel. It is a group of tests that are used for screening and identification of TORCH syndrome or TORCH infections in a pregnant woman.

TORCH is an acronym for the following infections/diseases:

T- Toxoplasmosis
O- Other infections such as HIV, varicella, parvovirus B19, syphilis and Zika virus
R-Rubella
C-Cytomegalovirus
H-Herpes simples

In pregnancy, if mother get infected with these infections, it may be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy, delivery or even after delivery. Early detection and management of TORCH syndrome/infections with the help of TORCH test may prevent severe complications in your baby.

What are the uses of TORCH test?

TORCH test is used for the screening and detection of the following infections or diseases:

Toxoplasmosis: It is caused by a parasite named Toxoplasma gondii which is usually found in cat feces or undercooked meat.
HIV
Syphilis
Hepatitis B and C
Varicella or chicken pox
Rubella/German measles
Herpes simplex
Cytomegalovirus
Fifth disease/Parvovirus B19 etc.

When is TORCH test done in pregnancy?

Some components of TORCH Panel are routinely performed in the first prenatal visit. However, if signs or symptoms of TORCH infections are present then the other components may also be performed irrespective of the period of gestation or trimester of pregnancy.

How does TORCH infection get transmitted from mother to baby?

TORCH infections can be transmitted from mother to baby by the following routes:

During Pregnancy: Through the placenta
During Vaginal Delivery: Through the birth canal
After Delivery: Through the breastmilk.

Complications of TORCH infection in newborn?

Various complications that can occur due to TORCH infections may include the following:

Jaundice
Sensorineural hearing loss
Congenital heart diseases such as PDA
Pulmonary artery stenosis
Low birth weight
IUGR (Intrauterine growth restrictions)
Pre-term delivery
Blueberry rash
Congenital cataract
Microcephaly
Hepatosplenomegaly
Congenital malformations
Pigmentary retinopathy
Mental retardation
Growth retardation
Petechiae
Periventricular calcification etc.

Which sample is taken for TORCH test in pregnancy?

Usually, Blood or Serum sample is taken for TORCH test in pregnancy. However, other samples can also be used such as:

Urine
Saliva
Amniotic fluid
Nasal mucus
Skin scrapings from skin rash.

How to diagnose TORCH infections during pregnancy?

TORCH infections can be diagnosed during pregnancy by:

Blood test
Blood culture
Urine test and culture
PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test: Gold standard for detection of many congenital infections.
Prenatal ultrasound such as Anomaly scan can show the malformations due to TORCH infections.

How do I prepare for TORCH test?

Follow these simple steps if you are going for a TORCH test:

Take an appointment: Fix an appointment in a diagnostic lab having the facility of TORCH test to avoid waiting at the time of test.
Food: You can take your usual meals. Fasting is usually not required for TORCH test if done alone.
Medications: Inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. Certain drugs may alter the test results. Your doctor may advice some modifications before the test if required.
Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise before the test as it may alter test results.
Smoking: Avoid smoking before the test as it may affect the test results.

What is the procedure for TORCH test?

The procedure of TORCH test includes the following steps:

First a torniquet will be tied around your arm.
Then a cotton swab soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
Then a small needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm and required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a test tube.
Then the needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
Sample is sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.

What are the risks/side effects of TORCH test?

TORCH test is a safe procedure with usually no side effects However, depending upon the method of sample collection, some individuals might experience few side effects. If sample collection involves needle insertion such as in blood collection or amniotic fluid aspiration, you may encounter side effects as mentioned below:

Pain at injection site
Pain at site of aspiration
Hematoma
Multiple punctures to locate vein in those where veins are not easily accessible
Bleeding at puncture site, especially patients having bleeding or clotting disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy
Oozing of fluid from the site of aspiration
Infection at puncture site
Thrombophlebitis.

How long does it take to get the reports of TORCH test?

TORCH test reports are usually available within 1-3 days of sample collection.

Do TORCH infections cause miscarriage?

Yes, TORCH infections can cause many complications in pregnancy including:

Miscarriage
Abortion
Stillbirth
IUGR (Intrauterine growth restrictions)
Pre-term delivery.

TORCH test report analysis?

TORCH test report can be summarized and interpreted as following:

IgM antibody	IgG antibody	Result	Interpretation
+	+	Positive	Recent infection
+	-	Positive	Acute infection
-	+	Positive	Past infection or Vaccination
	-	Negative	No acute or past infection

Description of terms used:

IgM: Immunoglobulin M

IgG: Immunoglobulin G

Cost of TORCH test in Delhi?

Price of TORCH test depends upon many factors such as city and locality. Different diagnostic labs charges according to the quality of machines they have and various offers that they are providing to their customers. Cost may also vary depending upon the type of TORCH test.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre (GDIC), Rohini also known as GDIC is currently offering 50% discounts on various tests including TORCH test.

Our centers are NABH and NABL accredited and equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.We follow strict aseptic conditions to prevent transmission of infections.

Charges of various types of TORCH test at Ganesh Lab (GDIC) are as following:

TORCH IgG

~~Rs 2500~~ - Rs 1250 Book Now

TORCH IgM

~~Rs 2500~~ - Rs 1250 Book Now

TORCH Panel IgG & IgM Extended

~~Rs 3500~~ - Rs 1750 Book Now

TORCH DNA Detection

~~Rs 10150~~ - Rs 5075 Book Now

Hurry! Grab the best deals now!

Best diagnostic centre for TORCH test in Delhi?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is considered as the best diagnostic lab for TORCH test in Rohini, North-East Delhi. We have many branches in different locations of Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Model Town and Mangol puri.

Ganesh lab (GDIC) is now considered one of the most popular diagnostic labs in Delhi as:

We provide high standard quality services to our patients.
Experience of 23+ years of services.
Our labs are NABH and NABL certified.
Facility of latest cutting-edge technologies.
Well-trained technicians.
Highly Skilled Radiologists and Pathologists
Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction are our top priority.
We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning.
Affordable Diagnostic lab with up to 50% discount on many tests. Currently, we are offering flat 50% discount on various types of Blood tests including TORCH test.
We are open 24X7 and 365 days.
You can also avail free Consultation with our Pathologist regarding any blood test or imaging scans.
We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR.
We are empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.
Lakhs of satisfied customers.