T — Toxoplasmosis
A parasitic infection usually picked up from undercooked meat, cat faeces or contaminated soil. Most people have no symptoms. A first infection in pregnancy can, rarely, affect the baby.
TORCH Infection Screening in London
TORCH screening is a group of blood tests that check for infections which can affect a developing baby in pregnancy. The panel covers toxoplasmosis, other infections including syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex. Our midwives and doctors can help you understand whether this screening is right for you and what any results might mean.
What is TORCH infection screening?
TORCH is an acronym for a group of infections that can, in some cases, pass from a pregnant person to their baby and affect how the baby develops. The letters stand for Toxoplasmosis, Other (which includes syphilis, and sometimes other infections such as varicella-zoster), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex.
TORCH screening usually means a blood test that looks for antibodies to several of these infections at once. The aim is to help work out whether you have had an infection in the past, are immune, or may have a current or recent infection that needs closer attention.
In the UK, some of these infections are already checked as part of routine NHS antenatal care — for example, screening for syphilis, rubella immunity and other bloodborne infections is offered to everyone. Others, such as toxoplasmosis and CMV, are not part of routine NHS screening, which is why some parents choose to explore private testing.
What the TORCH panel covers
Each letter in TORCH represents an infection that can, in some circumstances, affect a pregnancy. Understanding what each one is can help you and your clinician decide what — if anything — is worth checking.
O — Other (incl. syphilis)
"Other" most often refers to syphilis, a bacterial infection screened for routinely on the NHS. It can sometimes include other infections such as varicella-zoster (chickenpox), depending on the panel used.
R — Rubella
Also known as German measles. Rubella immunity is checked as part of routine antenatal care because infection in early pregnancy can affect the baby. Many people are immune through childhood MMR vaccination.
C — Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A common virus in the herpes family, usually harmless but a potential concern if first caught in pregnancy. CMV is not routinely screened for on the NHS.
H — Herpes simplex
The virus responsible for cold sores and genital herpes. Herpes is relevant in pregnancy mainly around the time of birth, and management is guided by your obstetric team.
How results fit together
Results are considered alongside your history, symptoms and any scan findings. A positive antibody result often reflects past exposure and immunity rather than a current problem — which is why expert interpretation matters.
Is this screening for me?
TORCH screening is not part of routine NHS antenatal care as a single panel, and it is not something everyone needs. It tends to be considered in specific situations rather than as a general "just in case" test. Whether screening is helpful for you depends on your individual history, and this is best discussed with a clinician who can look at the full picture.
Screening for one or more TORCH infections may be worth discussing if:
- You have symptoms that could suggest an infection, such as a fever, rash, flu-like illness or swollen glands during pregnancy.
- You have had a known exposure — for example, close contact with someone who has a relevant infection, or a risk exposure such as handling cat litter or eating undercooked meat.
- A scan has picked up a finding that your clinician wants to investigate further.
- You work or live in a setting with higher exposure, such as with young children, and would like to understand your immunity.
- You are planning a pregnancy and would like to check your immunity to infections such as rubella before conceiving.
How TORCH testing works
Most TORCH screening is based on a blood test that measures antibodies your immune system makes in response to an infection. The two antibody types usually reported are IgG and IgM. Broadly, IgG antibodies tend to indicate past exposure and often long-term immunity, while IgM antibodies can suggest a more recent or current infection. In practice the interpretation is rarely black-and-white, and results are read together rather than in isolation.
A simplified way to think about antibody results is:
- IgG positive, IgM negative — usually points to past infection and immunity.
- IgG negative, IgM negative — usually means no previous exposure, so no immunity.
- IgM positive — may suggest a recent or current infection, but can also be a false positive or persist for months, so it needs careful interpretation.
- Uncertain or borderline results — may require repeat testing, additional tests, or specialist input to confirm what is happening.
TORCH screening at London Pregnancy Clinic
At London Pregnancy Clinic our focus is on giving you clear, evidence-based information so you can make an informed choice about testing — without alarm and without pressure.
Our team of consultant obstetricians, women's health GPs and midwives can talk through your history, explain what each test can and cannot tell you, and help you understand any results in context. Blood tests are taken at our City clinic in Spitalfields.
If screening is not the right step for you, that is a perfectly valid outcome — sometimes reassurance and good information are exactly what is needed.
Your questions answered
What does TORCH stand for?
TORCH stands for Toxoplasmosis, Other (which usually includes syphilis, and sometimes other infections such as varicella-zoster), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex. It is a way of grouping together several infections that can, in certain circumstances, affect a pregnancy.
Grouping them makes it easier to screen for more than one at a time, but it does not mean you necessarily need testing for all of them. Which tests are appropriate depends on your individual situation, so it is worth discussing with your midwife or doctor.
Is TORCH screening part of routine NHS antenatal care?
Some infections in the TORCH group are already screened for routinely on the NHS. For example, all pregnant people in the UK are offered screening for syphilis and a check of their rubella-related history, alongside other routine bloodborne infection screening.
Others, such as toxoplasmosis and CMV, are not part of routine NHS antenatal screening. This is because they are uncommon, often cause no harm, and there is no simple way to prevent transmission in every case. Private screening is an option some parents choose to explore, ideally after a conversation with a clinician.
Should I have TORCH screening if I feel well?
If you feel well and have no particular risk factors, routine TORCH screening is generally not recommended. Testing everyone can lead to unnecessary worry, false-positive results and further investigations that may not be needed.
Screening is most useful when there is a specific reason — such as symptoms, a known exposure or a scan finding. If you are unsure whether it applies to you, discuss with your midwife or doctor, who can weigh up the benefits and limitations for your circumstances.
What do IgG and IgM antibody results mean?
IgG and IgM are two types of antibody your immune system produces. As a general guide, IgG antibodies often indicate past infection and immunity, while IgM antibodies may suggest a more recent or current infection.
In reality, antibody results are not always straightforward. IgM can sometimes stay positive for months, or give a false-positive result, so the two are interpreted together and sometimes need repeat or additional testing. A clinician should always help you interpret what your specific results mean.
I have a positive result — does that mean my baby is affected?
Not necessarily. A positive antibody result very often reflects past exposure and immunity, which can actually be reassuring rather than concerning. Even where a recent infection is possible, it does not automatically mean the baby is affected.
Positive or uncertain results need careful interpretation, and sometimes further tests or specialist referral, to understand what they mean for your pregnancy. If you have had a result you are worried about, discuss it promptly with your midwife or doctor.
How can I reduce my risk of these infections in pregnancy?
Simple everyday measures can lower the risk of several TORCH infections. These include washing your hands well, particularly after handling raw meat, gardening or changing nappies; avoiding undercooked meat and unpasteurised products; and taking care around cat litter and soil.
For infections such as rubella, immunity usually comes from childhood MMR vaccination. General guidance on staying well in pregnancy is available from the NHS, and your midwife or doctor can give advice tailored to your situation.
Contact
Want to talk through TORCH infection screening? Speak to our midwives.
Sources & clinical references
The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.
- NHS England / GOV.UKNHS Infectious diseases in pregnancy screening programme handbook2026
- UK National Screening Committee, GOV.UKToxoplasmosis: antenatal screening recommendation2016
- Royal College of Obstetricians and GynaecologistsCongenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Update on Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (Scientific Impact Paper No. 56)2024
- NHSInfections in pregnancy that may affect your baby
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of MedicineTORCH screen