TORCH screen
Also written as: TORCH — Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex
Panel of laboratory tests to detect maternal infections that can cause congenital abnormalities or perinatal complications in newborns.
Full Definition
TORCH screening is an acronym representing a group of infectious agents that can cause serious congenital infections: Toxoplasmosis, Other infections (including syphilis, varicella, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus. These pathogens can cross the placenta during pregnancy or be transmitted during delivery, potentially causing birth defects, growth restriction, neurological damage, or death. The screening typically involves serological testing for specific antibodies (IgG and IgM) to determine acute versus chronic infection status. TORCH infections are considered when evaluating newborns with unexplained symptoms such as intrauterine growth restriction, microcephaly, hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, or central nervous system abnormalities.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as an acronym; specify individual components when detailed reporting is needed.
In Context
- "Given the infant's microcephaly and growth restriction, the team ordered a TORCH screen to evaluate for congenital infections." — Laboratory order
- "The TORCH screen revealed positive CMV IgM, confirming congenital cytomegalovirus infection." — Test result interpretation