In shortTORCH is a panel of four infections dangerous during a primary infection in pregnancy: toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes. IgG and IgM antibodies are tested: IgG without IgM — a past infection and protection, IgM — a fresh encounter needing a doctor’s review. The ideal time is when planning pregnancy.
What this panel covers
The TORCH abbreviation stands for Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes. They share one thing: for an adult they are almost harmless, but a primary infection during pregnancy is dangerous for the fetus.
So the test makes more sense before pregnancy: if IgG is already there, the encounter happened and the risk is minimal. If not, prevention is observed during pregnancy (especially with toxoplasma: cats, raw meat, soil work).
Diagnostic methods
| Method | What it shows | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| IgG | A past infection and immune memory | When planning: protection exists — relax; absent — prevention |
| IgM | A fresh (primary) infection | With symptoms or doubtful IgG — urgent review by a doctor |
| IgG avidity | How recent the infection is when IgM is doubtful | Low — recent; high — long past |
How to prepare
Venous blood; no special preparation. Best taken when planning pregnancy or in the first trimester — as prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Reading the result
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| IgG “−”, IgM “−” | No encounter, no protection: prevention during pregnancy (rubella — vaccination before conception) |
| IgG “+”, IgM “−” | A past infection, immunity present — not dangerous for the fetus |
| IgM “+” (any IgG) | A fresh infection is possible — see a doctor urgently: confirmation by avidity and PCR |
| IgG “+” for rubella | Vaccination or past illness — reliable protection |
When a retest makes sense
IgM appears 1–2 weeks after infection and persists for 2–4 months. A doubtful IgM is confirmed by a repeat in 2–3 weeks with IgG avidity.
Which specialist to see
A positive or doubtful result is reviewed by: Obstetrician-gynecologist, infectious disease specialist.
Several markers on your report?
The app reads your whole report — this marker together with its neighbors, not one by one.
Frequently asked questions
TORCH positive — is it dangerous for pregnancy?
Depends on what is positive. IgG — a past infection and protection, that is good. Dangerous is primary IgM during pregnancy — then the doctor orders confirmatory tests (avidity, PCR) and monitoring.
When to take TORCH?
Ideally when planning pregnancy: if rubella is absent (IgG “−”), there is time to vaccinate before conception. The second window is the first trimester, as prescribed.
Cats and toxoplasma — is it really dangerous?
A primary toxoplasma infection during pregnancy is dangerous. If IgG to toxoplasma is already there, contact with cats is harmless. If not, delegate litter-box cleaning, raw meat and ungloved soil work during pregnancy.
Sources
- WHO — Reproductive health guidelines — WHO (who.int). Accessed: September 17, 2026.
- MedlinePlus — Vitamin A test — MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov). Accessed: September 17, 2026.