Torch Screen
An eight-marker TORCH antibody screen assessing Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and HSV antibodies relevant to pregnancy and infection assessment.
Turnaround time
2 business days
Biomarkers count
8
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Overview of the TORCH Screen Test
The TORCH Screen is an eight-marker blood profile assessing antibodies associated with four infections that can be particularly relevant during pregnancy and preconception assessment.
The profile includes Toxoplasma IgG and IgM, Rubella IgG and IgM, Cytomegalovirus IgG and IgM, and HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG antibodies.
IgG and IgM provide different types of serological information.
IgG commonly reflects previous immune exposure, although interpretation differs between infections and vaccination can also be relevant for Rubella.
IgM can sometimes be associated with more recent infection, but IgM results can persist or be falsely reactive and should never automatically be interpreted as proof of a new infection.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG provide information about previous exposure to the respective Herpes Simplex Virus types but generally cannot determine exactly when infection occurred.
The TORCH Screen is therefore a serological assessment rather than a single definitive test for congenital infection.
The TORCH Screen costs £550.
Professional blood collection is available in clinic for an additional £35 or through an at-home phlebotomy visit for an additional £60.
What Does the TORCH Screen Test Check?
The TORCH Screen measures 8 antibody biomarkers covering Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus.
Toxoplasma IgG Antibodies
Assesses IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and provides information about previous immune exposure.
Toxoplasma IgM Antibodies
Assesses IgM antibodies that may be relevant when recent Toxoplasma infection is being investigated.
Rubella IgG Antibodies
Assesses Rubella immune status, including immunity following previous infection or vaccination.
Rubella IgM Antibodies
Measures IgM antibodies used when recent Rubella infection is being considered.
Cytomegalovirus IgG Antibodies
Measures CMV IgG antibodies associated with previous exposure to Cytomegalovirus.
Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibodies
Measures CMV IgM antibodies that may require further assessment when recent infection is suspected.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 IgG
Measures type-specific IgG antibodies associated with previous HSV-1 exposure.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 IgG
Measures type-specific IgG antibodies associated with previous HSV-2 exposure.
Who May Benefit From the TORCH Screen Test?
The profile may be useful during pregnancy-related or specialist infectious-disease assessment where these infections need to be considered together.
Women undergoing preconception assessment - Rubella immunity and previous infection exposure may be relevant before pregnancy.
Pregnant women whose clinician has requested TORCH serology - The profile can provide antibody information across four infection groups.
People with a known exposure during pregnancy - Targeted serological testing may form part of specialist assessment.
Women with uncertain Rubella immunity - Rubella IgG is included.
People requiring CMV antibody assessment - Both IgG and IgM are measured.
People with previous Toxoplasma concerns - IgG and IgM provide complementary serological information.
People referred by a fertility or obstetric clinic - TORCH markers may be requested as part of specific treatment or pregnancy pathways.
How to Prepare
Vaccination history can be particularly relevant when interpreting Rubella antibodies.
Keep previous TORCH, Rubella, CMV, Toxoplasma or HSV results available where possible.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the TORCH Screen Test
Many TORCH infections can be mild or asymptomatic in adults, so clinical history and pregnancy status are particularly important.
Known contact with Rubella during pregnancy - Prompt medical assessment is important.
Flu-like illness during pregnancy following relevant exposure - Several infections may require targeted investigation.
Swollen lymph nodes with possible Toxoplasma exposure - Toxoplasma serology may form part of assessment.
Possible CMV exposure during pregnancy - IgG and IgM can provide initial serological information.
A new rash or febrile illness during pregnancy - Appropriate obstetric and infectious-disease assessment may be required.
A fertility or maternity service has specifically requested TORCH testing - The eight markers can be tested together.
A reactive TORCH result does not automatically mean that a fetus is infected.
IgM results in particular can require confirmatory testing, avidity testing, repeat blood samples or other investigations.
If you are pregnant and have a possible recent infection, compatible symptoms or a reactive IgM result, contact your maternity or specialist team promptly rather than interpreting the result alone.
How to Book Your TORCH Screen Test
The TORCH Screen can be booked privately with professional venous blood collection.
Choose the TORCH Screen
Select the £550 eight-marker antibody profile.
Select your collection option
Choose in-clinic phlebotomy for +£35 or an at-home phlebotomy visit for +£60.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Eight antibody measurements covering Toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV and HSV are analysed.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised TORCH Screen report is delivered securely.
When Will I Receive My Results?
Results are generally expected within approximately 2 working days after laboratory receipt.
Reactive, unexpected or clinically significant results may require additional confirmation and can therefore take longer to resolve fully.
Understanding Your Results
TORCH serology requires careful interpretation.
IgG commonly indicates previous exposure or immunity, but the meaning varies according to the organism.
IgM may be associated with recent infection but cannot be treated as definitive proof of acute infection without considering timing and confirmatory testing.
For Rubella, IgG is primarily used when assessing immunity.
CMV and Toxoplasma results often require IgG and IgM to be interpreted together.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG indicate previous exposure but do not reliably establish when infection occurred.
During pregnancy, abnormal results should be reviewed by the appropriate maternity, fetal-medicine or infectious-disease team.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides one profile covering eight serological markers relevant to several important pregnancy-related infections.
Eight antibody biomarkers - Four infection groups are assessed in one profile.
Toxoplasma IgG and IgM included - Previous and potentially recent immune responses are assessed.
Rubella IgG and IgM included - Immunity and possible recent immune response can be evaluated.
CMV IgG and IgM included - Cytomegalovirus serology forms part of the profile.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 IgG included - Previous exposure to both major HSV types is assessed.
Relevant to pregnancy and fertility pathways - The profile may satisfy specific clinic requirements.
Flexible phlebotomy - Choose in-clinic collection for +£35 or an at-home phlebotomist for +£60.
Clear pricing - The TORCH Screen costs £550, with collection charged separately.
Private TORCH Screen Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private TORCH screening in London for £550.
The profile measures eight antibody biomarkers covering Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus.
Professional blood collection is available in clinic for +£35 or through an at-home phlebotomy visit for +£60.
Results are generally expected within approximately two working days.