Definition of TORCH screen

TORCH screen: Screening test for a group of infections known by the acronym TORCH which stands for Toxoplasma gondii; other viruses (HIV, measles, and more); rubella (German measles);cytomegalovirus; and herpes simplex.

All of these infections are teratogens, agents capable of causing birth defects. The TORCH infectious agents affect 1-5% of all live births and are among the leading causes of neonatal morbidity (disease) and mortality (death).