The TORCH panel test is a group of blood tests that detect infections in pregnant women, which can be harmful to the foetus. The test is usually performed during the first trimester of pregnancy to identify women who are at risk of transmitting these infections to their foetus. If the test is positive, further testing and monitoring may be necessary to determine the best course of action.

TORCH stands for:
T – Toxoplasmosis
O – Other (Hepatitis, HIV, etc.)
R – Rubella (German measles)
C – Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
H – Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

The TORCH panel test checks for:

1. Toxoplasmosis : a parasitic infection that can cause birth defects.
2. Rubella : a viral infection that can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth defects.
3. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) : a viral infection that can cause hearing loss, vision loss, or developmental delays.
4. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) : a viral infection that can cause skin lesions, encephalitis, or neonatal herpes.

Note : The TORCH panel test is not a routine test for all pregnant women. It is typically recommended for women who are at high risk of infection or have a history of infection.