Torch IgM Antibodies are a group of tests used to detect an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that transfers to the foetus from the pregnant woman through the placenta. The infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondiiparasite is known as Toxoplasmosis. If untreated, it can cause seizures, blindness, deafness, and intellectual disability. Early detection of the infection can prevent complications in new-borns. Specifically, the tests screen for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. IgM antibodies are found when you have an acute infection. Your healthcare provider uses this antibody along with the health history of the pregnant woman to access if the foetus has an infection. IgM is the largest antibody that appears in response to exposure to an antigen. These antibodies provide short-term protection against any kind of infection.  

What is Torch IgM Antibodies test?

Torch IgM Antibodies are a group of tests used to detect an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that transfers to the foetus from the pregnant woman through the placenta. The infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondiiparasite is known as Toxoplasmosis. If untreated, it can cause seizures, blindness, deafness, and intellectual disability. Early detection of the infection can prevent complications in new-borns. Specifically, the tests screen for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. IgM antibodies are found when you have an acute infection. Your healthcare provider uses this antibody along with the health history of the pregnant woman to access if the foetus has an infection. IgM is the largest antibody that appears in response to exposure to an antigen. These antibodies provide short-term protection against any kind of infection.  

Torch IgM Antibodies test can also be conducted to detect other infectious diseases such as Rubella IgG, CMV IgG, CMV IgM, Rubella IgM, Herpes simplex Virus 1 IgG, Herpes simplex Virus 2 IgG, Herpes simplex Virus 1 IgM and Herpes simplex Virus 2 IgM. This test can also be performed on new-born babies to diagnose infections.  

What is the purpose of the Torch IgM Antibodies test? 

The purpose of the Torch IgM Antibodies is to detect infection in pregnant women. Your healthcare provider usually performs some components of this test routinely when you have your first prenatal visit. The tests screen for IgM antibodies that are produced to fight against infectious diseases. IgM antibodies are the first defense line that destroys harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. These antibodies are present when there is a recent or current infection. If your new-born tests positive for IgM antibodies, the most likely cause can be a recent infection.  

What does the Torch IgM Antibodies Test Diagnose? 

The Torch IgM Antibodies test detects the presence of IgM antibodies in the blood against Cytomegalovirus, Rubella, Toxoplasma, and Herpes Simplex Virus. When a person gets exposed to bacteria or viruses, IgM antibodies are seen in the blood and detected in the blood sample. This disease-specific test is based on the neonatal clinical symptoms and history of the pregnant mother. It is used to diagnose the type of infection in women experiencing multiple abortions or miscarriages. If the pregnant mother tests positive for IgM antibodies, more testing can be ordered to confirm an infection. Early screening is important to prevent any infection from getting passed on to the foetus.  

This test can also be ordered when a baby is born with congenital abnormalities like hearing, heart abnormalities, or mental retardation due to TORCH infections.  

Why Do You Need the Torch IgM Antibodies Test? 

You need the Torch IgM Antibodies test if you’re unable to conceive or are experiencing multiple miscarriages or abortions. This test can also be ordered if you have recurrent infections, or your immune system is not working in the right way. Some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases can lead to lower IgM levels. Your healthcare provider may also order this test if you have the signs and symptoms of hepatitis, HIV, measles, CMV, EBV, rubella, and mumps. The Torch IgM Antibodies test can help in confirming whether you have any infection. Depending on the test results, your healthcare provider can recommend the best treatment. 

Preparation and procedure required for the Torch IgM Antibodies Test?

The Torch IgM Antibodies is a simple blood test. You don’t need to fast before undergoing the test. You should inform your doctor if you take any medications, as they may lead to false test results. It is also important to follow the information of the technician who is conducting the test to ensure that the test results are accurate. 

During the Torch IgM Antibodies, the technician will visit your home and take your blood sample. They will clean the blood draw site with an antiseptic to ensure that there is no infection. An elastic band will be tied around your arm to ensure that your veins are clearly visible. The technician will insert a needle in your vein and draw a small amount of blood. You may feel a stinging sensation or sharp prick during the process. Once the blood draw process is complete the technician will apply a cotton ball over the puncture site. The collected blood sample will be sent to the lab for detailed investigation. 

Once the test result is available, your healthcare provider will interpret the results and discuss the diagnosis with you.  

Understanding the Torch IgM Antibodies Test results 

The Torch IgM Antibodies test results are provided as positive or negative indicating the presence or absence of IgM antibodies for certain diseases. Positive Torch IgM Antibodies test results indicate the presence of antibodies. If the test is positive for a specific disease, IgM antibodies will be seen against that disease in your blood. This can mean that you have or had this disease in the past. A negative Torch IgM Antibodies test result is considered normal unless you have been vaccinated against that disease in the past. Negative result means no antibodies were detected, and you don’t have any current or past infection. 

If an infection is found in the Torch IgM Antibodies test, your healthcare provider will create an appropriate treatment plan with you.