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HelpTest ID CMVM Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Serum
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of acute infection with cytomegalovirus
This test should not be used for screening blood or plasma donors.
Method Name
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI)
Reporting Name
Cytomegalovirus Ab, IgM, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Clinical Information
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family of viruses and usually causes asymptomatic infection, after which it remains latent in patients, primarily within bone marrow-derived cells. Primary CMV infection in immunocompetent individuals may also manifest as a mononucleosis-type syndrome, similar to primary Epstein-Barr virus infection, with fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy.
CMV is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among bone marrow or solid organ transplant recipients, individuals with AIDS, and other immunosuppressed patients due to virus reactivation or from a newly acquired infection. Infection in these patient populations can affect almost any organ and lead to multiorgan failure. CMV is also responsible for congenital disease among newborns and is 1 of the TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, other infections including syphilis, rubella, CMV, and herpes simplex virus).
CMV seroprevalence increases with age. In the United States, the prevalence of CMV specific antibodies increases from approximately 36% in children from 6 to 11 years old to over 91% in adults over 80 years old.
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Cautions
Sera collected very early during the acute stage of infection may have undetectable levels of cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM.
Immunocompromised patients may have impaired immune responses and nonreactive IgM results may be due to delayed seroconversion and do not rule-out current infection.
CMV IgM results should not be used alone to diagnose CMV infection. Results should be considered in conjunction with clinical presentation, patient history, and other laboratory findings. In cases of suspected disease, submit a second specimen for testing in 10 to 14 days.
The performance characteristics of these assays have not been evaluated in immunosuppressed patients or organ transplant recipients and have not been established for cord blood or for testing of neonates.
Immune complexes or other immunoglobulin aggregates present in patient specimens may cause increased nonspecific binding and produce false-positive results.
Potential cross-reactivity for CMV IgM may occur with specimens positive for Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen IgM and parvovirus B19 IgM.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86645