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Test Code CMVM Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Serum

Reporting Name

Cytomegalovirus Ab, IgM, S

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of acute infection with cytomegalovirus

 

This test should not be used for screening blood or plasma donors.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

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.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.4 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

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

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
CMVM Cytomegalovirus Ab, IgM, S 24119-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
CMVM Cytomegalovirus Ab, IgM, S 24119-0

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.

Interpretation

A negative cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM result suggests that the patient is not experiencing acute or active infection. However, a negative result does not rule-out primary CMV infection.

 

It has been reported that CMV-specific IgM antibodies were not detectable in 10% to 30% of cord blood sera from infants demonstrating infection in the first week of life. In addition, up to 23% (3/13) of pregnant women with primary CMV infection did not demonstrate detectable CMV IgM responses within 8 weeks postinfection. In cases of primary infection where the time of seroconversion is not well defined, as high as 28% (10/36) of pregnant women did not demonstrate CMV-IgM antibody.

 

Positive CMV IgM results indicate a recent infection (primary, reactivation, or reinfection).

 

IgM antibody responses in secondary (reactivation) CMV infections have been demonstrated in some CMV mononucleosis patients, a few pregnant women, and kidney and cardiac transplant patients. Levels of antibody may be lower in transplant patients with secondary, rather than primary, infections.

 

Equivocal CMV IgM results may occur during acute infection or may be due to nonspecific binding reactions. Submit an additional sample for testing if clinically indicated.

Report Available

Same day/1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject
Heat-inactivated specimen Reject

Method Name

Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.