What does the "five-item TORCH test" mean?

TORCH IgM five-item testing refers to the TORCH five-panel test, a method used to detect whether pregnant women or newborns are infected with TORCH viruses.

TORCH refers to a group of common vertically transmitted viruses, including Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). TORCH testing is designed to determine whether pregnant women or newborns have been infected with these pathogens.

TORCH IgM five-item testing builds upon standard TORCH testing by adding detection of IgM antibodies. IgM antibodies are produced early during infection and typically appear within 1–2 weeks after infection, serving as a key indicator for recent or acute infection. Therefore, TORCH IgM testing allows for more accurate assessment of whether a pregnant woman or newborn has a recent TORCH infection, enabling clinicians to initiate timely treatment and prevent disease progression.

It should be noted that TORCH IgM five-item testing is only an auxiliary diagnostic tool and should not serve as the sole basis for diagnosis. A positive result requires further clinical evaluation and management to ensure the health of both mother and baby.