What do the test results mean?

A "negative" test means that the woman does not seem to have a new TORCH infection. It is important to realize that there are many other causes of birth defects. In other words, a negative TORCH screen does not guarantee a healthy baby.

A positive test means that high or increasing levels of antibodies were detected. This generally means that the mother has caught a new TORCH infection. A positive test does not mean that the fetus will catch the infection or develop birth defects. However, close monitoring of the pregnancy may be advised.

Pregnancy ultrasound may be used to look for birth defects. This is an x-ray test that uses sound waves to look at the fetus inside the womb. The option of ending the pregnancy, or having an elective abortion, may be discussed. The exact risk of having a child with birth defects depends on the specific TORCH infection. It also depends on when during the pregnancy the mother caught the infection. The healthcare provider will discuss the results in the event of a positive test.