Sunday 8 September 2013

TORCH test



TORCH test: A diagnosis that throws light on infections

I have seen plenty of diagnostic tests in my career as an infertility expert. Most of the tests are targeted to a specific problem and help me in understanding and treating a specific problem. However, there are tests like the TORCH test that is capable of telling about multiple infections in a single test. It is a fact that nowadays we seldom use it because there are various other tests available that can give much accurate and fast result.  However, the contribution of TORCH test in the medical diagnostic history can never be overlooked. There was a time when it was used extensively and people used to get benefited by the results.

What is TORCH test?

The TORCH test is a combined test that is used for screening pregnant women and even the infants to determine the presence of antibodies in the blood. If antibodies of specific disease are found in the blood, then it indicates the recent or past infection in the body. The test can find presence of following infections:

Toxoplasma gondii
Other
Rubella (German Measles)-
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-
Syphilis (Treponemapallidum)
When is it recommended?

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