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Placenta
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TORCH screen
Definition:
A blood test that screens for several congenital infections including Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex (hence the name) and other infections.
Alternative Names:
Screening test for TORCH syndrome
How the test is performed:

Infant or young child:
The area from which blood will be drawn (usually finger) is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
How to prepare for the test:

For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following: infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year).
How the test will feel:
While the blood sample is being obtained, your child will most likely feel a prick and a brief stinging sensation.
Why the test is performed:
This test is used to screen infants for certain congenital infections (infections transmitted from mother to fetus/newborn via the placenta). Infections like toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, syphilis and others may lead to malformations, growth delay, and neurological dysfunction. The TORCH screen is one way to assess whether your child has a congenital infection. In some cases, the mother may also need to be tested to help diagnose certain congenital infections.
Normal Values:

Proper interpretation of these blood tests requires an understanding of the immune response of infants, as well as the passage of antibodies via the placenta from the mother.
What abnormal results mean:

If high levels of immunoglobulin IgM against a particular microorganism are detected in the infant, there may be congenital infection. A definitive diagnosis requires culturing or direct detection of the microorganism.
What the risks are:
Blood draws carry a small risk of bleeding, bruising, and infection at the involved site.
Special considerations:
Direct detection or isolation of the particular microorganism is needed for definitive diagnosis of congenital infections. However, this may be difficult to achieve, hence a TORCH screen may be helpful in narrowing down the possibilities. Evaluation of the mother may also be necessary in order to interpret the newborn's blood tests.
Review Date: 8/26/2001
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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