When should TORCH screening be considered in a clinical setting?

TORCH screening should be considered particularly in the presence of specific clinical indicators, one of which includes the observation of microcephaly or intracranial calcifications. These conditions can be associated with congenital infections that the TORCH panel is designed to screen for, which includes Toxoplasmosis, Other (such as syphilis), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The presence of microcephaly or intracranial calcifications suggests possible adverse effects on fetal development from these infections, warranting further screening to inform management and potential interventions.

Routine prenatal visits may involve a variety of assessments, but TORCH screening is not necessarily indicated in every case unless specific symptoms or findings raise concern. The other choices, such as limiting screening to low birth weight or maternal symptoms, do not encompass the broader clinical picture that can arise in unexpected cases of congenital infections where these specific findings may be keys to early diagnosis and care.