TORCH

Sample type:

blood sample

Uses:

The TORCH panel test is used to help diagnose infections that could harm the unborn baby during pregnancy. TORCH is an acronym of the 5 infections covered in the screening:

• Toxoplasmosis

• Syphilis

• Rubella

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Precautions:

Some medicines may affect the test and should not take them before having the test.

Interfering factor:

No specific interfering factor

Pre analytical error: 1-sample identification errors,

insufficient no. of requisitions or

samples

corrective action :

To compare identifiers such as the patient’s name and his or her unique ID. Integration of bar code Technology, Computerization.

pre analytical error:

2-quality of the sample

Corrective action:

Hemolysed/Lipemic/Icterus samples

may be run as per the discretion.

Post analytical errors:

• Processing of results for transcription onto report forms

• Reduce human error through root-cause analysis, process control, and education/communication.

Reference range:

“Positive” or “negative”.