What is TORCH screening?

TORCH is an acronym for a group of infections that obstetricians and maternal health specialists test for during pregnancy because they can cross the placenta and cause birth defects or complications. The panel screens for toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection from undercooked meat or cat contact), rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). The "other" in TORCH traditionally includes infections such as syphilis and varicella-zoster (chickenpox), though testing for these may vary by clinic protocol.

This screening is typically ordered during the first or second trimester as part of routine prenatal checkups, either as a standard panel or when a mother reports symptoms or exposure history that raises concern. A positive result does not automatically mean the fetus is infected, but it alerts the care team to monitor more closely and plan appropriate management. Some infections carry greater risk early in pregnancy, while others pose different hazards later in gestation. Results help healthcare providers counsel patients on transmission risk and discuss follow-up testing, such as amniocentesis, if needed.

For pregnant people in Kuala Lumpur, TORCH screening forms part of comprehensive prenatal care protocols at maternity clinics and hospitals. The specific components tested and frequency may differ between facilities, so it is worthwhile to confirm what your provider includes in their prenatal blood work panels.