CMV PCR
Clinical Background:
This is a quantitative PCR assay used to detect cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA. It is used in the diagnois and monitoring of CMV infection in immunocompromised patients, and in the diagnosis of congeni...
This is a quantitative PCR assay used to detect cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA. It is used in the diagnois and monitoring of CMV infection in immunocompromised patients, and in the diagnosis of congenital CMV infection. It is performed as part of a mutiplex PCR assay including adenovirus and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) PCRs. CMV PCR is not normally useful in the diagnosis of primary CMV infection in the immunocompetent, where serology with CMV IgM testing is indicated. For the diagnosis of congenital CMV a urine or throat swab should be sent within the first 2-3 weeks of life. In the immunocompromised blood is the preferred sample, although other samples may be appropriate (e.g. CSF in suspected CMV encephalitis).
| This is a quantitative PCR assay used to detect cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA. It is used in the diagnois and monitoring of CMV infection in immunocompromised patients, and in the diagnosis of congenital CMV infection. It is performed as part of a mutiplex PCR assay including adenovirus and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) PCRs. CMV PCR is not normally useful in the diagnosis of primary CMV infection in the immunocompetent, where serology with CMV IgM testing is indicated. For the diagnosis of congenital CMV a urine or throat swab should be sent within the first 2-3 weeks of life. In the immunocompromised blood is the preferred sample, although other samples may be appropriate (e.g. CSF in suspected CMV encephalitis). |
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Blood - EDTA
Blood - EDTA
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Blood - EDTA, CSF, urine
Blood - EDTA, CSF, urine
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Minimum Volume Adult:
5 ml
5 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 ml
1 ml
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
Possible up to 5 days
Possible up to 5 days
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
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Reference Ranges:
None available
None available
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C