TORCH Screen
Alternate Names : Screening Test for TORCH Syndrome
DefinitionThis is a blood test that screens for several infections that may be present in the newborn, including Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex and HIV (hence the name), and other infections. Sometimes the test is spelled TORCHS, where the extra S stands for Syphilis.
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Why is the Test 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 problems.
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.
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