TORCH is a panel of tests for detecting infections in pregnant women. These infections if present can be passed on to the fetus during pregnancy. Early detection & treatment is important to prevent complications in newborns such as cataracts, deafness, jaundice, fits & heart problems. If you are positive for IgG antibodies towards any of the components of TORCH – Toxoplasma, Rubella (German measles), CMV or Herpes, you have been exposed to these infections in the past & do not have active disease but if you are positive for IgM antibodies, you are suffering from acute infection.