Torch Panel

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Hello. Today I had a patient dx-fetal demise @ 20 wks and I was just wondering what is a torch panel (ordered by doc)? I would like to know what labs it consist of and ranges. I looked trough the internet and my OB book, but was unsuccessful. Thanks- I'm a new grad and still learning!

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Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.

The TORCH panel is an infectious disease antibody test. Blood work is done to screen for: Toxoplasmosis, Other infections (ie:hep B, syphilis, coxsackie,epstein-barr, varicella, human parvo), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes virus. Basically the "normal" would be "negative" for these antibodies. If any are positive this would indicate exposure to that particular organism leading to infection. Usually, if that were the case labs would be repeated in a week or two to see if levels were rising...this could indicate a newly acquired infection, vs. something mom had previously been exposed to. Hope this helps. :)

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thanks so much!

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Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.

No problem! :)

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