TORCH by PCR CSF

DESCRIPTION – A TORCH screen is a panel of tests for detecting infections in pregnant women. Infection may pass to fetus during pregnancy

METHODOLOGY – polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 6 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – serum separator tube

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 ml serum

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 48 hours; refrigerated: 1 week; frozen: 1 year

MRP – 7000

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory