| (Microbiology) |
| Investigations | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Human herpes viruses are widespread. Cytomegalovirus infection is usually a mild syndrome in the young but the virus can cause infectious mononucleosis like syndrome in young adults, or severe disease in immunocompromised patients. Primary CMV infection in pregnant women can be associated with transmission to the foetus in up to 40% of cases. Serology should not be requested for isolated transaminitis without features of mononucleosis, or on immunocompromised patients. Serology Tests CMV IgG / Avidity CMV IgM Molecular CMV PCR |
Inform lab before sending | No, except for URGENT SAMPLES. Contact the laboratory on 0151 706 4410 to request urgent testing, including pre-transplant serology screening. The laboratory will aim to process urgent CMV PCR samples received in the laboratory before 9am the same day, otherwise, the sample will be processed the next working day. | Specimen type | Serology Clotted blood: 5ml Clot activator and separation gel (GOLD CAPPED) container. Molecular EDTA: 4ml blood into a EDTA (LAVENDER CAPPED) container. CSF: Collect at least 0.2ml using the CSF sample collection kit if available. A sterile container is a suitable alternative. Bronchoalveolar lavage: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. Tissue: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. Urine: Collected in a sterile leak-proof container. |
Ideal time to take specimen | Labelling requirements | click here | How to take the specimen | Transport to the laboratory | CMV surveillance samples A 4ml EDTA (LAVENDER CAPPED) blood should reach the laboratory via the pod system (810) or via the porter. Delivery should be no later than 09:00 hours if a same day result is required. If transport is delayed then store at +4°C |
Test Times | CMV IgG / Avidity: Daily CMV IgM: Daily CMV PCR: Daily |
Turnround | CMV IgG / Avidity: 3-5 working days CMV IgM: 3-5 working days CMV PCR: 2 working days |
Additional information |
| Additional Examination Requests | click here |