TORCH antibody test
Quick answer: A TORCH test checks your blood for antibodies to infections that can harm a baby in pregnancy, usually toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex. Doctors may order it before pregnancy to check immunity, or in pregnancy when an infection is suspected or a scan shows a concern.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes for the blood draw
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
- In fertility careGuidelines do not recommend routine TORCH panels for everyone, but a targeted test can help when infection in pregnancy is suspected.
How the test is done
- 1Staff confirm whether IgG, IgM or both are requested
- 2A nurse draws blood from a vein in your arm
- 3One or two tubes cover all the infections in the panel
- 4The lab tests each infection separately and reports IgG and IgM for each
What your results can mean
Reading your report
IgM can stay positive for months or be falsely positive, so a positive IgM in pregnancy usually needs extra tests such as IgG avidity before decisions are made.
If the result is outside the usual range
A positive IgG for an infection usually means past infection or vaccination, while a positive IgM can suggest a recent infection or be a false positive. A negative rubella IgG can mean you are not protected and may need the vaccine before pregnancy.
Who usually has this test
Women planning pregnancy or IVF in some clinics, and pregnant women with a rash, fever or a scan finding that raises concern.
Risks and aftercare
A small bruise is possible; do not make pregnancy decisions on a TORCH IgM result without your doctor.
Names and options
Also called: TORCH, TORCH IgG, TORCH IgM, TORCH panel
Options
- IgG
- IgM
Listed by the hospital as
- TORCH IGG
- TORCH IGM
Questions about this test
What does a positive TORCH IgG mean?
A positive IgG usually means you had that infection in the past or were vaccinated, and are likely protected. It does not usually mean a current infection.
Should I worry about a positive TORCH IgM before IVF or in pregnancy?
Not straight away. IgM can be falsely positive or stay positive long after an old infection. Your doctor may order an avidity test or repeat test to find out whether the infection is recent.
What does TORCH stand for?
It stands for toxoplasma, other infections, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex. Panels differ, so ask the hospital which infections are included in this test.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.