Laboratory measures after TORCH serological IgM positive before and during pregnancy / 中华检验医学杂志

ABSTRACT

TORCH, represented by the Toxoplasmosis, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus or Human Parvovirus B19, is considered as a series of pathogens which might lead to the miscarriage, premature birth, teratogenesis, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation or multiple-organic damage in newborns. Serological examination of the pathogen-specific antibodies, including IgM and IgG, is currently the foremost laboratorial strategy for clinical laboratory of TORCH. Although the serum-IgM level often indicates the acute infection period of patients and is of the great clinical concern, the combination of different strategies, such as immunological methods or clinical manifestations is valuable to ensure the accuracy and specificity. Normative TORCH serological screening and systematic laboratory testing can assist pre-pregnancy guidance and fetal risk assessment during pregnancy, help to prevent the pregnancy risks and reduce the birth defects.