TORCH Screening Blood Test Kit

This test detects IgG antibodies to both HSV-1 (typically oral herpes/"cold sores") and HSV-2 (typically genital herpes). HSV IgG antibodies develop several weeks after infection and remain detectable for life. HSV-1 is very common, affecting the majority of adults. What Positive Means: A positive HSV IgG result indicates past infection with herpes simplex virus. If you have had herpes before pregnancy, the risk to your baby is low because you will have antibodies that provide some protection. However, you should inform your midwife or obstetrician, particularly if you have a history of genital herpes. What Negative Means: A negative HSV IgG result suggests you have not been previously infected. Primary HSV infection (particularly genital HSV) late in pregnancy carries the highest risk of neonatal herpes, so avoiding new infection during pregnancy is important. Pregnancy Considerations: The main concern is primary genital herpes infection late in pregnancy or around the time of delivery, which can be transmitted to the baby during vaginal birth. Women with a history of genital herpes may be offered antiviral medication in late pregnancy and should discuss delivery options with their healthcare team.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus of the herpes family transmitted through bodily fluids. CMV IgG antibodies develop a few weeks after initial infection and remain detectable for life, indicating past infection. Most adults have been infected with CMV at some point. What Positive Means: If CMV IgG is positive and IgM is negative, this indicates past infection and some degree of immunity. However, unlike rubella, CMV can reactivate or you can be infected with a different CMV strain, so past infection does not provide complete protection during pregnancy. What Negative Means: If CMV IgG is negative, you have not been previously infected and are susceptible to primary infection. Primary CMV infection during pregnancy carries the highest risk to the baby. Good hygiene practices (hand washing, avoiding sharing utensils with young children) can help reduce transmission risk.

CMV IgM antibodies are produced in the early stages of an immune response to CMV infection. The presence of CMV IgM indicates current or recent primary infection, or possibly viral reactivation. What Positive Means: A positive CMV IgM result indicates current or recent CMV infection. This is particularly important to identify during pregnancy, as primary CMV infection can cause congenital CMV disease with potential effects on the developing baby including hearing loss, vision problems, developmental delay, and other complications. Further testing (such as IgG avidity testing) and specialist referral may be needed. What Negative Means: A negative IgM result suggests no current or recent primary CMV infection.