The TORCH panel evaluates acute or recent infection with pathogens that can cause congenital anomalies, miscarriage, or neonatal disease.

IgM antibodies indicate current or recent infection, unlike IgG which reflects past exposure or immunity.

Clinical uses include:

Detecting acute maternal infection during pregnancy.

Assessing risk of vertical transmission to the fetus.

Supporting diagnosis of congenital infections in newborns.

Differentiating between primary infection vs. past exposure when combined with IgG testing.

Often performed alongside TORCH IgG panel, PCR, and culture methods for confirmation.

Analytes: IgM antibodies against:

Toxoplasma gondii

Rubella virus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Herpes simplex virus (HSV‑1/HSV‑2)

Other infections (varicella, syphilis, parvovirus B19 depending on panel design)

Normal Result: Negative (no IgM antibodies detected → no acute infection).

Abnormal Findings:

Positive IgM: Indicates recent or active infection, requiring further evaluation.

False positives: May occur; confirmation with PCR or repeat testing is often needed.

Clinical Use:

Provides a marker of acute infection risk in pregnancy.

Helps guide prenatal counseling, treatment, and preventive measures.

Supports obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and infectious disease evaluations.