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HelpEpic Test Code LAB861 Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Serum
Additional Codes
MML Code: CMVM
NY State Approved
YesPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Reporting Name
Cytomegalovirus Ab, IgM, SMethod Name
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay (MFI)
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
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.
Blood Tube Draw Volume
Min 50% draw volume
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
86645
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
| Heat-inactivated specimen | Reject |
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of acute infection with cytomegalovirus
This test should not be used for screening blood or plasma donors.
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.
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.
Specimen Retention Time
14 daysForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.