title: TORCH tests and what they mean.
abstract: TORCH tests can be used to document immunity or recent infections. Many laboratories now offer TORCH tests and there are a large variety of methods, kits, and reporting systems. Some of the TORCH tests are not accurate and should be avoided. In general, we prefer enzyme immunoassays for documentation of past infections or immunity. To demonstrate recent infections with toxoplasmosis and rubella we use IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests but for cytomegalovirus and herpes infections we prefer virus isolation. Physicians should send specimens only to laboratories that participate in proficiency surveys or similar tests that document the accuracy of the laboratory. All TORCH test sera should be held by the laboratory for 1 year to permit repeat testing and analysis with subsequent specimens if necessary.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Sever
mesh_terms: D003168:Complement Fixation Tests; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006385:Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012409:Rubella / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012698:Serologic Tests; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic