What this test measures
The TORCH 10 panel measures 10 antibody results: IgG and IgM for Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex 1/2, plus IgG and IgM for one additional pathogen (usually Parvovirus B19 or Varicella zoster), depending on the lab. The result format is the same as the TORCH 8 — IgG indicates past exposure / immunity, IgM indicates recent or active infection.
The extra two markers matter in specific clinical scenarios. Parvovirus B19 in pregnancy can cause foetal anaemia and hydrops foetalis, especially in second trimester. Varicella (chickenpox) infection in the first 20 weeks can rarely cause congenital varicella syndrome; in late pregnancy it can cause severe neonatal varicella. Screening for these is most useful when there has been a known exposure or when an ultrasound shows abnormalities suggestive of foetal infection.
Why it matters
TORCH 10 is the panel to consider when you (or your obstetrician) want broader coverage than the standard 8-marker panel — for example, after exposure to a child with hand-foot-mouth disease or slapped-cheek rash (parvovirus), or after exposure to chickenpox. Indian primary care often runs both TORCH and parvovirus together when foetal anaemia or hydrops is detected on ultrasound.
The same interpretation caveats apply as for TORCH 8 — IgM positives can be false, and avidity testing or PCR is needed before any treatment decision. Pre-conception screening (especially for Rubella and Varicella) is the ideal use case so that non-immune women can be vaccinated safely before pregnancy.
How to prepare
No fasting required. Disclose any recent exposures: cats, raw foods, viral rashes (hand-foot-mouth, slapped-cheek, chickenpox), and any current symptoms (fever, rash, lymphadenopathy). Bring vaccination history.
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toxoplasma IgG + IgM[1] | IgG positive = immunity; IgM negative | Both negative = susceptible — avoid raw meat, cat litter, unwashed produce. | IgM positive — possible recent infection; confirm with avidity test. |
| Rubella IgG + IgM | IgG positive (immune); IgM negative | Non-immune — avoid rash illnesses; MMR post-partum. | IgM positive in early pregnancy — high foetal risk if confirmed; avidity test mandatory. |
| CMV IgG + IgM[1] | ~80% Indian women IgG positive; IgM negative | Non-immune — hand hygiene around toddlers (saliva/urine). | IgM positive — possible primary CMV; highest-risk pathogen for foetus. Confirm with avidity and consider amniocentesis PCR. |
| HSV 1/2 IgG + IgM | Variable; IgM negative | Non-immune — avoid lesion exposure. | IgM positive in primary genital HSV near delivery — caesarean and acyclovir prophylaxis usually advised. |
| Parvovirus B19 IgG + IgM[1] | ~50% adults IgG positive; IgM negative | Susceptible — avoid contact with children with "slapped-cheek" rash. | IgM positive — possible recent infection. Monitor foetal anaemia / hydrops with weekly Doppler ultrasound for 12 weeks. Intrauterine transfusion if hydrops develops. |
When TORCH 10 is preferred over TORCH 8
| Scenario | TORCH 8 | TORCH 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Routine antenatal booking | Sufficient | Optional |
| Exposure to slapped-cheek / fifth disease | Inadequate | Recommended (Parvovirus) |
| Exposure to chickenpox in pregnancy | Inadequate | Recommended (Varicella) |
| Foetal hydrops / unexplained anaemia | Inadequate | Recommended (Parvovirus) |
| Suspected congenital infection on ultrasound | Reasonable start | Preferred for broader coverage |
Frequently asked questions
How does TORCH 10 differ from TORCH 8?
TORCH 10 adds two more pathogens — usually Parvovirus B19 and/or Varicella zoster — for broader antenatal infection screening. The interpretation of each result is identical.
When should I do TORCH 10 instead of TORCH 8?
If you have had a known exposure to Parvovirus (children with slapped-cheek rash) or to Varicella, or if a foetal ultrasound shows hydrops / unexplained anaemia. For routine booking, TORCH 8 is usually sufficient.
My Parvovirus IgM is positive — what now?
Possible recent infection. Your obstetrician will arrange weekly foetal Doppler ultrasound for 12 weeks to monitor for foetal anaemia and hydrops. Most foetal infections resolve spontaneously; severe cases may need intrauterine transfusion.
Do I need to fast?
No.
Can the IgM be a false positive?
Yes — false-positive IgM is common across all TORCH analytes. Always confirm with avidity testing, repeat serology in 2–3 weeks, and PCR (where appropriate) before any treatment.
Is varicella screening worth it if I had chickenpox as a child?
If you have a clear history of chickenpox or two doses of varicella vaccine, you are very likely immune and screening may not be necessary. If you cannot recall, screening clarifies it.
When in pregnancy should I do TORCH 10?
Ideally pre-conception or at booking. Doing it for the first time after 24 weeks gives less actionable information.
How long does the report take?
Most NABL labs report TORCH 10 within 24–48 hours.
Related Pregnancy / Prenatal tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside TORCH-10, or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- CDC — Parvovirus B19 and Fifth Disease · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- CDC — Cytomegalovirus and Pregnancy · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- ACOG — Practice Bulletin on Congenital Infections · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- NCBI StatPearls — Toxoplasmosis · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
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