Description
Why It’s Done:
The TORCH 8 Test is primarily used to:
• Screen for infections that can be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy, potentially leading to birth defects, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
• Diagnose infections that could affect the health of the baby, including conditions like congenital rubella syndrome, congenital CMV infection, or herpes simplex virus transmission.
• Assess maternal health during pregnancy, especially for those at higher risk of exposure to these infections (e.g., through travel, exposure to sick contacts, or pre-existing medical conditions).
Sample Collection:
• The test usually involves a blood sample taken from the mother. In some cases, additional samples such as amniotic fluid or cervical swabs may be collected if there is concern about a specific infection.
• The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens related to the TORCH 8 pathogens.
