Cytomegalovirus IgM
Clinical Background:
This is a serological assay used to detect IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is used to provide evidence of recent primary CMV infection in immunocompetent individuals. Primary infection ...
This is a serological assay used to detect IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV). It is used to provide evidence of recent primary CMV infection in immunocompetent individuals. Primary infection is most commonly asymptomatic in the immunocompetent, although it may present as a glandular fever type illness with lymphadenopathy and hepatitis. Both primary infection and reactivation/reinfection during pregnancy can result in infection of the fetus, although reactivation/reinfection cannot be confirmed by serology. Infection can be serious in patients with impaired immune response, such as transplant patients who may develop symptoms with both primary infection and reactivation. IgM testing is unreliable in the immunocompetent and in the diagnosis of congenital CMV infection in the neonate; in these cases samples should be sent for CMV PCR.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Clotted blood - Gold SST
Clotted blood - Gold SST
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Clotted blood
Clotted blood
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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. Date of symptom onset is required for interpretation of results.
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C. Date of symptom onset is required for interpretation of results.
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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