Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR Quantitative

Why Get Tested?
To diagnosis current, past or reactivated cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection or Immunocompromised patients or pregnant women with possible cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection or neonates with congenital syndromes suggestive of CMV.

Also Known as: CMV DNA Quantitative Test

Description:
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that usually causes no symptoms or only mild illness. In the U.S., nearly 1 in 3 children is affected to CMV at the age of 5 and more than 50% of adults have been affected by age 40.

CMV can be transmitted in several ways, congenitally by blood transfusion or organ transplantation and through direct contact with urine or saliva, blood, breast milk, semen, vaginal fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid. CMV easily spreads from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected or by contact with contaminated body fluids or objects, such as diapers or toys.

The virus is generally asymptomatic in immunocompetent children and adults but can lead to serious complications in immunocompromised individuals or those receiving transplants, neonates, and pregnant women.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is commonly used to detect and quantify viral load. It detects antibodies in the blood that the body produces in response to the infection or detects CMV directly.

Reason for Referral:
Individual suffering from coughing that lasts three or more weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chills and loss of appetite should be recommended to do MTB DNA test.

Sample Required:
Whole Blood, Urine

Test Preparation
No test preparation is needed.

Test Done by
RT–PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction)