Maternal and newborn

TORCH

Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex

A memory aid for infections that can cross the placenta and affect the fetus. "Other" covers a changing list that includes syphilis.

What each letter stands for

  1. 1 Toxoplasmosis
  2. 2 Other (syphilis, varicella, and more)
  3. 3 Rubella
  4. 4 Cytomegalovirus
  5. 5 Herpes simplex

How it gets tested

A recall item — what the letters stand for — and occasionally a teaching item about the exposures the T refers to.

Quick check: TORCH

One question. Pick an answer to see the explanation.

What does TORCH stand for?

Related terms

NASRDS

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